Grade 6
Grammar
PRACTICE BOOK
B
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Unit 1 • Take Action
Rescue Teams
The Summer
of the Swans
A Lost City
Lost City: The Discovery
of Machu Picchu
Science for All
Time For Kids: Gecko
Glue, Cockroach Scouts,
and Spider Silk Bridges
Sharing Traditions
The Magic Gourd
Protecting Wildlife
© Macmillan /McGraw-Hill
Interrupted Journey
Unit Review: Sentences
Contents
Sentence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Types of Sentences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Test: Sentences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Review: Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Subjects and Predicates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Predicate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Test: Subjects and Predicates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Review: Subjects and Predicates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Conjunctions and Compound Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Compound Subjects and Predicates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Test: Combining Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Review: Combining Sentences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Complex Sentences and Clauses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Complex Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Test: Complex Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Review: Complex Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Run-On Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Run-On Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Test: Run-On Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Review: Run-On Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31, 32
iii
Unit 2 • Saving the Day
How Tia Lola Came to
Visit
The Solar System
The Night of the
Pomegranates
Helping Hands
Time For Kids: Zoo Story
Tales of Old
Rumplestiltskin’s
Daughter
Sled Dogs as Heroes
The Great Serum Race
Unit Review: Nouns
iv
Common and Proper Nouns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Proper Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Test: Common and Proper Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Review: Common and Proper Nouns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Singular and Plural Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Singular and Plural Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Test: Singular and Plural Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Review: Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
More Plural Nouns/Spellings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
More Plural Nouns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Test: More Plural Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Review: More Plural Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Possessive Nouns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Forming Plural Possessive Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Test: Possessive Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Review: Possessive Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Appositives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Appositives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Test: Appositives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Review: Appositives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63, 64
© Macmillan /McGraw-Hill
Team Spirit
Unit 3 • Great Ideas
The Old Southwest
Juan Verdades: The Man
Who Couldn’t Tell a Lie
Putting It in Writing
Nothing Ever Happens
on 90th Street
Energy
Time For Kids:
Building Green
Archeology
The Emperor’s
Silent Army
Show Time
© Macmillan /McGraw-Hill
The Case of the
Phantom Poet
Unit Review: Verbs
Action Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Indirect Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Test: Action Verbs and Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Review: Action Verbs and Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Verb Tenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Verb Tenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Test: Verb Tenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Review: Verb Tenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Main and Helping Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Verb Tenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Test: Verb Tenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Review: Verb Tenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Linking Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Predicate Nouns and Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Test: Linking Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Review: Linking Verbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Irregular Verbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Irregular Verbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Test: Irregular Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Review: Irregular Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95, 96
v
Unit 4 • Achievements
Seeing Things His
Own Way?
Oceanography
Exploring the Titanic
Helping Others
Time For Kids:
Saving Grace
Cycling
Major Taylor
Pieces from the Past
A Single Shard
Unit Review: Pronouns
vi
Pronouns and Antecedents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Singular and Plural Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Test: Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Review: Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Subject Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Object Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Test: Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Review: Subject and Object Pronouns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Possessive Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Locating Possessive Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Test: Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Review: Possessive Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Indefinite Pronouns & Singular Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Indefinite Pronouns & Plural Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Test: Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Review: More Indefinite Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Pronoun-Verb Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Indefinite Pronouns and Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Test: Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Review: Pronouns and Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127, 128
© Macmillan /McGraw-Hill
Uncommon Champions
Unit 5 • Turning Points
Mentors
Breaking Through
Smart Thinking
Ta-Na-E-Ka
Money Matters
Time For Kids: Many
Countries, One Currency:
Europe and the Euro
Collections
Honus and Me
© Macmillan /McGraw-Hill
Taking a Stand
Let It Shine:
Stories of Black Women
Freedom Fighters
Unit Review: Adjectives
Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Demonstrative Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Test: Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Review: Working with Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Articles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Articles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Test: Articles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Review: Practicing with Articles and Colons . . . . . . . . . 140
Comparative & Superlative Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Comparative & Superlative adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Test: Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Review: Writing Adjectives and using
Hyphenated Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Comparing More and Most . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Using More and Most . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Test: More and Most . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Review: More and Most . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Comparing with Good . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Comparing with Bad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Test: Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Review: Using Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159, 160
vii
Unit 6 • Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Leonardo’s Horse
Time Travel
LAFFF
Keeping in Touch
Time For Kids:
These Walls Can Talk
Print, Past and Present
Breaking Into Print:
Before and After the
Printing Press
Volcanoes, Past
and Present
The Dog of Pompeii
Unit Review: Adverbs
viii
Adverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Using Adverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Test: Adverbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Review: Working with Adverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Adverbs that Compare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Using More and Most . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Test: Adverbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Review: Practicing Adverbs and Their Irregular Forms 172
Negatives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
More Double Negatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Test: Negatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Review: Practicing Adverbs and Negatives . . . . . . . . . . 178
Prepositions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Working with Phrases and Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Test: Prepositions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Review: Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases . . . . . 184
Sentence Combining. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Combining Sentences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Proofreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Test: Sentence Combining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Review: Practicing Sentence Combination . . . . . . . . . . 190
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191, 192
© Macmillan /McGraw-Hill
Great Designs Last
Forever
Grammar
Name
Sentences
• A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete
thought. Every sentence begins with a capital letter.
• A sentence fragment does not express a complete thought.
• A declarative sentence makes a statement. It ends with a
period.
• An interrogative sentence asks a question. It ends with a
question mark.
Read each sentence or phrase below. Write S beside it if it is a sentence.
Write F if it is a fragment. Then add words to the fragments so that they
express complete thoughts.
1. Toni and Beth went hiking in the woods yesterday.
2. Lost their way.
3. Forgot flashlights and water.
4. Why did their parents allow them to go?
5. Luckily for the girls.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Put the correct punctuation mark at the end of each sentence.
6. Name several safety tips for hiking and climbing
7. Wearing proper clothing and footwear is a basic tip
8. Why is it important to carry water
9. Penny wants to know more about camping
10. Why must climbers sign up before beginning their climb
At Home: Ask the student to write five declarative sentences
and five interrogative sentences.
The Summer of the Swans
Grade 6/ Unit 1
1
Grammar
Name
Sentences
• An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a
request. It ends with a period.
• An exclamatory sentence expresses strong feeling. It ends
with an exclamation point.
Read each sentence. Write whether it is declarative, interrogative,
imperative, or exclamatory.
1. What a wonderful camping trip that was!
2. Think about what Peter said about staying safe on a hike.
3. How many times have you climbed in the Shawangunk Mountains?
4. Don’t delay getting down the mountain before sunset.
5. Richard couldn’t decide whether or not to go.
6. I’m so excited to be on this hike!
Revise the first four sentences. Change them to either interrogative
or declarative sentences.
7.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8.
9.
10.
2
The Summer of the Swans
Grade 6/ Unit 1
At Home: Ask the student to write a declarative, an
interrogative, an imperative, and an exclamatory sentence.
Grammar
Name
Mechanics
• Capitalize the first word of every sentence.
• End each sentence with the correct punctuation mark—
a period, a question mark, or an exclamation point.
Correct the capitalization or punctuation of each sentence. Then
identify the sentence type in the space provided.
1. Talk to Tiana about food to bring on the trip?
2. what a beautiful sight Mohonk Mountain is!
3. Why must he always complain about his aching back!
4. the Shawangunk Mountains are in New York state.
5. Bring your cell phone on the trip tomorrow?
6. hiking is great exercise.
7. How long will we be gone.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. Don’t expect to be home before 8:00 P.M.!
9. go to sleep early the night before the hike!
10. We will be leaving at 5:00 A.M.?
At Home: Have the student write an interrogative sentence,
and a response with an imperative sentence.
The Summer of the Swans
Grade 6/ Unit 1
3
Grammar
Name
Proofreading:
Sentences
• Begin a new sentence with a capital letter.
• Declarative sentences and imperative sentences end with a
period.
• Interrogative sentences end with a question mark.
• Exclamatory sentences end with an exclamation point.
Rewrite the passage, correcting all capitalization and punctuation
mistakes.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
i am so happy that rescue teams are on alert at all times to come to
the aid of stranded or lost hikers i recently attended one of the classes
teams hold to help campers think ahead about unexpected situations
what if someone in my group became ill or injured what kind of weather
conditions might I expect do I have the skills necessary to safely
complete the trip I plan to make these questions never occurred to me
4
The Summer of the Swans
Grade 6/ Unit 1
At Home: Invite the student to write a personal narrative about a trip
he or she has made.
Grammar
Name
Test: Sentences
Add to the beginning of each group of words so that it forms a sentence.
The information in parentheses will tell you what type of sentence it
should be. Be sure to begin each sentence with a capital letter and end it
with the correct punctuation mark.
1. each hiker from the nature group (declarative)
2. know the location of the nearest ranger station (interrogative)
3. embarrassing to the group (exclamatory)
4. extra food and clothing (imperative)
5. good idea to have an extra map (declarative)
6. a mother bear (exclamatory)
7. with her buddy Tasha, (declarative)
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. know they were such good friends (interrogative)
9. can check your supplies (imperative)
10. never shows up late (declarative)
The Summer of the Swans
Grade 6/ Unit 1
5
Grammar
Name
Review: Sentences
• A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete
thought.
• There are four types of sentences: declarative, interrogative,
imperative, and exclamatory.
Write four sentences that have something to do with rescue efforts or
camping and hiking. Make one sentence declarative, one interrogative,
one imperative, and one exclamatory. When you are finished, read the
sentences to a partner. Talk about how your voice helps identify the
different types of sentences.
1.
2.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
3.
4.
6
The Summer of the Swans
Grade 6/ Unit 1
Grammar
Name
Subjects
• The complete subject includes all the words that tell what or
whom the sentence is about.
• The simple subject is the main word or words in the complete
subject.
• You can sometimes correct a sentence fragment by adding a
subject.
Read each sentence. Write the complete subject on the line provided
below each example. Put parentheses ( ) around the simple subject. (In
some sentences, the complete subject and the simple subject may be
the same.)
1. The ruins of many ancient cities are located in Mexico.
2. The Mexican people live and work near ancient archaeological sites.
3. My cousin Isabel is studying to become an archaeologist.
4. The large capital of Mexico is her home.
5. Isabel hopes to travel to Tulum sometime soon with her classmates.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
6. The entire class will be guided on the trip by a well-known scientist.
7. The students are looking forward to seeing some real artifacts.
8. The department’s leading professor has arranged the trip.
At Home: Have the student write about a trip he or she has
made. Then have him or her locate the simple and complete
subjects.
Lost City •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
7
Grammar
Name
Predicates
• The complete predicate includes all the words that tell what
the subject does or is.
• The simple predicate is the main word or words in the
complete predicate.
• You can sometimes correct a sentence fragment by adding a
predicate.
Read each sentence. Write the complete predicate on the space
provided below each example. Put parentheses around the simple
predicate. (In some sentences, the complete predicate and the
simple predicate may be the same.)
1. Isabel learns languages as part of her schoolwork in archaeology.
2. She and her classmates practice their English with each other.
3. Sometimes at home Isabel speaks English or French.
4. She even knows a little Chinese!
5. The dean of the language department at Isabel’s university approves.
7. She works hard to master the characters.
8. Late into the night, Isabel is often studying.
8
Lost City •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
At Home: Have the student write about a subject he or
she enjoys. Then have him or her locate the simple and
complete predicates.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
6. Chinese is a difficult language to learn.
Grammar
Name
•
•
•
•
Mechanics
Begin the greeting and closing of a letter with a capital letter.
Use a comma after the greeting and closing of a friendly letter.
Use a comma between the names of a city and a state.
Use a comma between the day and year in a date.
Proofread this friendly letter for errors in commas and capitalization.
Add commas as necessary. Cross out the letters that should be
capitalized.
1723 Carolyn Lane
Orlando FL 32819
June 1 2006
dear Lupe
Let me tell you about my fabulous trip to Mexico! I took an
archaeological tour with my family through the Yucatan Peninsula. We
learned about the great Maya civilization and saw the ruins of many of their
cities. The Maya had a calendar and written language. They also studied the
planets and stars.
Our trip began on May 5 2006 and we did not get home until Memorial
Day! The weather in Mexico was perfect for hiking the ruins, and the
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
beaches of Cancun were fantastic. I learned how to snorkel, and Danny saw
a barracuda! Coming home to Orlando Florida may seem a lot less exciting,
but it’s good to be back.
your friend
Marisa
At Home: Have the student write a friendly letter to
someone he or she knows or would like to meet.
Lost City •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
9
Grammar
Proofreading:
Punctuation and
Capitalization
Name
•
•
•
•
Begin the greeting and closing of a letter with a capital letter.
Use a comma after the greeting and closing of a friendly letter.
Use a comma between the names of a city and a state.
Use a comma between the day and year in a date.
Proofread the letter Ivelise wrote to her cousin Isabel. Add commas
as necessary. Cross out incorrect punctuation and the letters that
should be capitalized. Use correct punctuation.
1800 Fortune Avenue
Tampa FL 33624
December 11 2006
dear Isabel
I received your letter last week, but I’ve been quite busy. Do you
remember I told you about my history class. Well, we are learning
about ancient cities like the ones you have been visiting
My homework load is heavy, but I am enjoying learning about the
South American cities? Are the Maya people like the ancient Inca
people I am learning about. I wish you were here so you could help
me with this essay I have to write?
may be coming to Mexico City to visit soon. I can’t wait to show you my
photos.
your cousin
Ivelise
10
Lost City •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
At Home: Have the student write about one of his or
her favorite cities. Urge your student to write complete
sentences.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
write soon and tell me about your trip to the Yucatan. My mom says we
Grammar
Test: Subjects
and Predicates
Name
Decide which word or group of words is the sentence part named
in parentheses. Circle the letter of your answer.
1. My cousin Lupe enjoyed her visit to Key West, Florida. (simple subject)
a.
b.
c.
d.
enjoyed her visit
enjoyed
My cousin Lupe
Lupe
2. She visited many of the historic sites around the city.
(complete predicate)
a.
b.
c.
d.
She visited
visited many of the historic sites around the city
around the city
many of the historic sites
3. Lupe gradually felt more at home in the city. (simple predicate)
a.
b.
c.
d.
felt
gradually felt more at home
at home in the city
Lupe gradually
4. An exhausting day of travel can make anyone feel tired. (complete subject)
a. day of travel
b. An exhausting day of travel
c. anyone
d. can make anyone feel tired
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
5. A nice cup of tea usually makes Lupe feel a lot better. (simple subject)
a.
b.
c.
d.
A nice cup of tea
a lot better
makes Lupe feel
cup
Lost City •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
11
Grammar
Review: Subjects
and Predicates
Name
• The complete subject includes all the words that tell what or
whom the sentence is about. The simple subject is the main
word or words in the complete subject.
• The complete predicate includes all the words that tell what
the subject does or is. The simple predicate is the main word
or words in the complete predicate.
• You can sometimes correct a sentence fragment by adding a
subject or predicate.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Write a friendly letter to someone you know that tells about a trip you
have taken, or would like to take, to a lost city. Make sure each sentence
contains a subject and a predicate. When you are finished, read the
letter to a partner. Identify the complete and simple subjects and
predicates in each sentence.
12
Lost City •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
Grammar
Conjunctions and
Compound Sentences
Name
• A conjunction joins words or groups of words. And adds
information; but shows contrast; or gives a choice.
• A compound sentence contains two sentences joined by a
comma and and, but, or or.
• You can form a compound sentence by joining two related
sentences.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Put an X in front of each sentence that is a compound sentence. For
those sentences, write the word that joins the two shorter sentences.
1.
Crayons were invented in 1903 by Edwin Binney and Harold Smith,
and they were an instant success.
2.
Crossword puzzles can be diamond-shaped, or they can be square.
3.
The first ferriswheel began operating on June 21, 1893 at the
Chicago World’s Fair.
4.
It had 36 wooden cars that could each seat 40 people, but most
modern ferriswheels are much smaller.
5.
A kaleidoscope is a tube one can look into that makes beautiful,
colorful patterns using mirrors.
6.
The kaleidoscope was invented by the Scottish physicist Sir David
Brewster in 1817.
At Home: Ask the student to write each compound sentence
as two separate sentences.
Gecko Glue, Cockroach Scouts, and
13
Spider Silk Bridges • Grade 6/ Unit 1
Grammar
Compound Subjects and
Compound Predicates
Name
• A compound subject contains two or more simple subjects
that have the same predicate.
• A compound predicate contains two or more simple
predicates that have the same subject.
• You can combine two sentences by joining two subjects or two
predicates with and, but, or or.
Read the sentences. Write an S if it has a compound subject and P if it
has a compoud predicate. Write each compound subject and compound
predicate below. Then put parentheses around the simple subjects
or predicates in what you have written. (Not every sentence has a
compound subject or compound predicate.)
1. My older sister, Selina, is studying hard and hopes to be an inventor one
day.
2. Calculus, physics, and chemistry are her favorite subjects.
3. My preferred subject has always been English literature.
5. Selina’s teachers and classmates believe she is marked for fame and
fortune.
6. A big title and huge corner office are of no interest to Selina.
14
Gecko Glue, Cockroach Scouts, and
Spider Silk Bridges • Grade 6/ Unit 1
At Home: Have your student write about his or her
intended future profession. Two sentences should contain a
compound subject.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. Selina rises early and arrives home late.
Grammar
Name
Mechanics
• Use a comma before the conjunction in a compound sentence.
• If two parts of a compound sentence are not joined by a
conjunction, a semicolon is used to separate the parts.
Combine each set of sentences. Use a comma and a conjunction in the
compound sentence.
1. Tic Tac Toe has been played in the United Kingdom for hundreds of years.
There it is called Noughts and Crosses.
2. A.S. Douglas was the first to put Noughts and Crosses on a software
program. That was way back in 1949!
3. In 1956, Noah and Joe McVicker invented play dough. It was promoted as
a wallpaper cleaner first.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. Joe realized the child-safe type of clay would make a great toy. He became
a millionaire almost overnight.
5. Over 700 million pounds of play dough have been sold since it was first
marketed. The formula is still a secret.
At Home:Have the student come up with simple sentences
on a topic. Then have him or her combine them into
compound sentences.
Gecko Glue, Cockroach Scouts, and
15
Spider Silk Bridges • Grade 6/ Unit 1
Grammar
Name
Proofreading
• Use a comma before the conjunction in a compound sentence.
• If two parts of a compound sentence are not joined by a
conjunction, use a semicolon to separate the parts.
Rewrite the passage below, correcting all capitalization and
punctation mistakes. Combine any sentences you find appropriate.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
everyone knows that necessity is the mother of invention the woman who
invented disposable diapers was both a woman and an inventor Marion
Donovan invented the disposable diaper in 1950 she used a regular cloth
diaper, lined it with pieces cut from a shower curtain, and called her
invention “Boaters” since no company was interested in marketing her new
invention Mrs. Donovan founded her own company today disposable diapers
are big business
16
Gecko Glue, Cockroach Scouts, and
Spider Silk Bridges • Grade 6/ Unit 1
At Home: Invite the student to write a short paragraph about
his or her favorite everyday invention.
Grammar
Name
Test: Combining
Sentences
Revise the following paragraph so that it reads more clearly.
Combine short sentences with a conjunction to form compound
subjects, compound predicates, or compound sentences. Not
every sentence needs to be combined or revised.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
People put on their clothing every day. They do not think about how
their pants stay put. They do not think about how their jackets stay put.
Jackets have zippers. Pants have zippers. The zipper was invented in 1893 by
Whitcomb L. Judson. He called his invention a “clasp-locker.” In 1923, Mr.
B.F. Goodrich coined the word “zipper.” His company made rubber boots
with zippers. His company sold rubber boots with zippers. Mr. Goodrich
named them zippers because they made a zipping sound when opened and
closed.
Gecko Glue, Cockroach Scouts, and
17
Spider Silk Bridges • Grade 6/ Unit 1
Grammar
Name
Review: Combining
Sentences
• You can combine two related sentences by using a conjunction.
You can also combine two sentences by joining two subjects or
two predicates with and, but, or or.
• Use a comma before the conjunction in a compound sentence.
If two parts of a compound sentence are not joined by a
conjunction, use a semicolon to separate the parts.
Rewrite the following sets of sentences. Create a
compound sentence or sentences with compound
subjects or predicates. Use the correct punctuation.
1. Eleven-year-old Frank Epperson invented the frozen
fruit pop in 1905. He didn’t mean to do it.
2. Epperson was enjoying a fruit drink. He left it out overnight with the stirrer
still in it.
4. Young Frank patented his “frozen ice on a stick” in 1923. He originally
called his invention the Epsicle.
5. Epperson thought Epsicle was a great name. The frozen treat was later renamed.
18
Gecko Glue, Cockroach Scouts, and
Spider Silk Bridges • Grade 6/ Unit 1
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
3. The fruit drink froze. It certainly made a delicious new treat.
Grammar
Clauses and Complex
Sentences
Name
•
•
•
•
A clause is a group of words with a subject and a predicate.
An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence.
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.
A dependent clause begins with a conjunction such as
wherever, before, while, because, as if, or unless.
Read each group of words. Write I beside each independent clause.
Write D beside each dependent clause. Then rewrite each dependent
clause so that it is part of a sentence.
1. Whenever I read a story.
2. Because I enjoy them.
3. Jasmine is the most talented writer in our class.
4. Although she hopes to be a published writer.
5. Jasmine would like to study communications as well.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
6. Because her grandmother used to tell her folk tales.
7. She would sit on her grandmother’s lap and listen to her great
stories.
8. Jasmine hopes to one day write a story like her grandmother’s.
At Home: Have the student write five dependent clauses.
Then have him or her complete them.
The Magic Gourd •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
19
Grammar
Name
Complex Sentences
• A complex sentence contains an independent clause and one
or more dependent clauses.
• When a dependent clause comes at the beginning of a
sentence, use a comma after the dependent clause.
• When a dependent clause comes at the end, a comma is not
usually necessary.
Put an X in front of each complex sentence. If the dependent clause
comes at the end of the sentence, rewrite the sentence so that the
dependent clause comes at the beginning. If the dependent clause
comes at the beginning of the sentence, rewrite it so that it comes at
the end. (Note: not every sentence is complex.)
1. While I read, I often listen to soft music.
2. I have yet to find my folk tale in the library.
3. I usually carry a book with me wherever I go.
4. I probably will not be happy until I finish reading every book on my
shelf.
5. My sister is always calling me a book worm.
7. I forgot what time it was until my mother called me.
8. I find folk tales interesting because of the history in them.
20
The Magic Gourd •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
At Home: Ask the student to write a short paragraph on
a popular folk tale. It should contain at least two complex
sentences.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
6. Before I left for school this morning, I read a tale of a brave knight.
Grammar
Name
Mechanics
• When a dependent clause comes at the beginning of a
sentence, use a comma after the dependent clause.
• When a dependent clause comes at the end, a comma is not
usually necessary.
Read the following interview. Rewrite each line, adding commas to the
dialogue where they are needed. Remove any unnecessary commas.
REPORTER: When your first novel was published were you nervous?
FAMOUS WRITER: On the contrary I felt elated.
REPORTER: As you work, on your next book do you find yourself
writing to please your readers?
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
FAMOUS WRITER: No, I always write to please myself because I
write what I feel, and believe.
At Home: Challenge the student to write a short poem on a
topic of his or her choosing.
The Magic Gourd •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
21
Grammar
Name
Proofreading
• A complex sentence contains an independent clause and one
or more dependent clauses.
• When a dependent clause comes at the beginning of a
sentence, use a comma after the dependent clause.
• When a dependent clause comes at the end, you usually do not
use a comma.
Rewrite the passage. Draw a line under the complex sentences.
Correct the capitalization and punctuation mistakes, adding
punctuation as needed.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
although every family has its own traditions, ours is my favorite on
Sunday nights we all sit around the kitchen table with a bowl of roasted
walnuts hazelnuts peanuts, and almonds as we crack the nuts each family
member tells one good thing and one bad thing that happened to them that
week this family time not only teaches us about each other but also lets us
see the many good things in our lives.
22
The Magic Gourd •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
At Home: Invite the student to write a paragraph about a
family tradition. Tell him or her to use at least two complex
sentences.
Grammar
Test: Clauses and
Complex Sentences
Name
Each question begins with a sentence that, when joined with the correct
response, will result in a complex sentence. Circle the letter of your
answer. Hint: The correct answer will be a clause.
1. We have an unusual family tradition at our house
a. every night.
b. when tired.
c. that every family should adopt.
2. Every Memorial Day, we have a family fire drill
a. that my parents carefully organize.
b. and barbeque.
c. only once.
3. every person knows what to do and where to go.
a. Today
b. If a fire starts,
c. In this case,
Try making sentences from the different answers. Choose the answer
that gives you a complex sentence with correct punctuation. Circle the
letter of your answer.
4. Isaac takes little Maria by the hand
a. first of all.
b. for safety sake.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
c. before he walks her safely across the street.
5. Everyone meets on the neighbors’ lawn
a. that night.
b. so we can have a big barbeque.
c. across the street.
The Magic Gourd •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
23
Grammar
Review: Clauses and
Complex Sentences
Name
• A complex sentence contains an independent clause and one
or more dependent clauses.
• When a dependent clause comes at the beginning of a
sentence, use a comma after the dependent clause.
• When a dependent clause comes at the end, a comma is not
usually necessary.
Study the picture and think about a folk tale it might describe. Read the
following groups of words. Add phrases to turn the four groups of words
into four complex sentences. Be sure to use commas correctly in your
sentences.
1. Although everyone knew the hare could run very fast
2. Because the tortoise was known for being so slow
4. If the hare became too sure of himself
24
The Magic Gourd •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
3. Because tortoises are patient
Grammar
Name
Run-On Sentences
• A run-on sentence joins together two or more sentences that
should be written separately.
• You can correct a run-on sentence by separating two complete
ideas into two sentences.
Put an X in front of each run-on sentence. Then correct the sentences in
the space provided.
1. The kiwi bird is a strange-looking animal it is part of a group of
endangered species.
2. These animals have died or been killed in such large numbers that
there are very few left.
3. The kiwi’s body is covered with fluffy feathers unlike other birds, the
kiwi has no tail.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. Kiwis are the size of a chicken their eggs are as large as ostriches’
eggs!
5. The kiwi’s “cousin,” the dodo bird, is already extinct.
6. There are no dodos left anywhere in the world no other dodos will
ever be born.
At Home: Have the student write four run-on sentences and
then rewrite each one as two separate sentences.
Interrupted Journey •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
25
Grammar
Name
Run-On Sentences
• A run-on sentence may be rewritten as a compound or
complex sentence or separated into two sentences.
Read these sentences. If the sentence is correct, write C on the line next
to it. If it is a run-on sentence, write R. Rewrite each run-on sentence.
1. The platypus has feet like a duck’s.
2. Many scientists have studied the platypus dark brown fur covers its body.
3. Platypuses live on land, although these odd animals also swim very well.
4. The female platypus lays eggs the mother sits on the eggs like a bird.
5. The platypus has survived for millions of years many scientists call it
a living fossil.
7. Australia is the home of the platypus it prefers fresh water to the salt
water that surrounds the island.
26
Interrupted Journey •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
At Home: Have the student revise his or her sentences
again, this time using different methods.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
6. Unlike ducks platypuses have bills that are soft and feel for food
underwater.
Grammar
Name
Mechanics
• A sentence fragment does not express a complete thought.
You can sometimes correct a sentence fragment by adding a
subject or predicate.
• Use a comma before the conjunction in a compound sentence.
If there is no conjunction, use a semicolon.
• Use a comma after a dependent clause at the beginning of a
sentence.
Rewrite each run-on sentence or sentence fragment using proper
capitalization, commas, and end punctuation.
1. scientists study wildlife in order to protect it the study of the cheetah is an
example
2. is found mainly in northern Africa
3. its feet have hard pads with sharp edges these special pads help the
cheetah to grip the ground
4. the cheetah has been called a natural running machine it is able to reach a
speed of 71 miles per hour
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
5. it may be the fastest animal on Earth we must protect this amazing cat
6. the cheetah is an endangered species it is even extinct in India and northern Africa
At Home: Challenge the student to do the activity again,
trying different methods of revision.
Interrupted Journey •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
27
Grammar
Name
Proofreading
• A sentence fragment does not express a complete thought.
You can sometimes correct a sentence fragment by adding a
subject or predicate.
• A run-on sentence joins together two or more sentences that
should be written separately.
• You can correct run-on sentences in three different ways:
1. Separate two complete ideas in a run-on sentence into two
sentences.
2. Rewrite the run-on sentence as a compound sentence.
3. Rewrite the run-on sentence as a complex sentence.
Correct any sentence fragments or run-on
sentences in the diary entry below. Rewrite
the passage with correct punctuation and
capitalization.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
today I joined a group of students on a bird-watching walk i wanted to
see a snail kite because I read that this bird is in trouble the snail kite
eats only one thing it eats the meat of the apple snail when builders drain
swampland to put up buildings, the apple snails die out. then the snail
kites have nothing to eat we must put a stop to putting buildings where
endangered animals live
28
Interrupted Journey •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
At Home: Invite the student to write a diary entry about a
personal experience helping to protect or study wildlife.
Grammar
Test: Run-On
Sentences
Name
Rewrite each run-on sentence, adding the punctuation and
conjunctions shown in parentheses.
1. The Florida manatee has been one of the most protected animals on earth
it may now be in danger. (Add a comma and the conjunction but.)
2. The marine mammal is listed as endangered is protected by the federal
Marine Mammal Act. (Add a comma and the conjunction and.)
3. Scientists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission may reevaluate
the protected status of the manatee the commission plans to act soon.
(Add a semicolon.)
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. Recreational boaters in Florida believe the manatee population has
increased enough environmentalists disagree. (Add a semicolon, a comma
and the conjunction however.)
5. Manatee lovers admit that the populations have increased in some areas
populations in other areas are low. (Add a comma and the conjunction but.)
Interrupted Journey •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
29
Grammar
Review: Run-On
Sentences
Name
• A run-on sentence joins together two or more sentences that
should be written separately.
Rewrite these run-on sentences using correct punctuation and capitalization.
1. the sea horse has two skeletons one is inside, and one is outside
2. the tail of the sea horse is very important it uses its tail to grip or hold on to things
3. this tiny animal can hang like a monkey it can swim in an upright position
4. the mother sea horse lays her eggs in the father’s pouch the father cares
for the eggs
6. black bears are carnivores eat very little meat live on grass fruits berries nuts.
30
Interrupted Journey •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
5. sea horses are used to make medicine that means the species is at risk
Grammar
Unit Review:
Sentences
Name
Read the passage and look at each underlined section. Is there a mistake?
If there is, how do you correct it? Circle the letter of your answer.
Most people think of school when they hear the word “education.” But
(1)
traveling is an excellent way to learn. Each area of the country has its own
(2)
distinct animals and trees? Where else can you see a Florida manatee but in
Florida?
1. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change Most to most.
Replace the period with an exclamation point.
Replace the period with a question mark.
No mistake
2. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change Each to each.
Replace the question mark with an exclamation point.
Replace the question mark with a period.
No mistake
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Read the passage below. How would you describe each group of
underlined words? Circle the letter of your answer.
There are three levels of protection given to animals in danger of extinction.
The first level is the highest level: endangered. The second level has been
(3)
titled “threatened.” Animals on the third level. are called “species of
(4)
special concern.”
3. A.
B.
C.
D.
A complete sentence
A sentence fragment missing a simple subject
A sentence fragment missing a complete subject
A sentence fragment missing a complete predicate subject
4. A.
B.
C.
D.
A complete sentence
A sentence fragment missing a simple subject
A sentence fragment missing a complete subject
A sentence fragment missing a complete predicate
Unit Review •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
31
Grammar
Unit Review:
Sentences
Name
Read the passage. Circle the answer that describes each underlined
sentence.
John loves and cares for his tropical fish, and often he adds to his
(5)
collection. John owns two Betta fish called Buddy and Freddy. John and
his sister, Sandy, own two of these colorful sea creatures, and they
(6)
often do research on how to care for them. There are many questions to
answer and ask. What kind of tank is best? What is the best kind of food?
It’s a big responsibility caring for living things.
5. A.
B.
C.
D.
Simple sentence with compound subject
Simple sentence with compound predicate
Compound sentence with compound subject
Compound sentence with compound predicate
6. A.
B.
C.
D.
Simple sentence with compound subject
Simple sentence with compound predicate
Compound sentence with compound subject
Compound sentence with compound predicate
Read the passage and look at each underlined sentence. Is there a
mistake? If there is, how do you correct it? Circle the letter of your answer.
7. A.
B.
C.
D.
Add a comma after tank.
Add a comma and a conjunction after tank.
Add a conjunction after tank.
No mistake
8. A.
B.
C.
D.
Add a comma after know.
Add a comma and a conjunction after know.
Add a conjunction after temperature.
No mistake
32
Unit Review •
Grade 6/ Unit 1
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
John often looks to Sandy for help with Buddy and Freddy. While Sandy
was changing the water in the tank John watched her carefully. John
(7)
wanted to know the correct temperature of the water. Buddy and Freddy
(8)
are going to stay happy and healthy.
Grammar
Common and
Proper Nouns
Name
• A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea.
• A common noun names any person, place, thing, or idea.
• A proper noun names a particular person, place, thing, or idea
and begins with a capital letter.
Read each sentence. Then underline each common noun once. Put
brackets [ ] around each proper noun.
1. My cousin, Alex, plays football for a local team, the Broncos.
2. He and his friend, Jason, both go to Central High School here in town.
3. Besides playing sports, Alex and Jason also play bass in the orchestra.
4. The boys enjoy several subjects, including American History and English.
5. Their school has the leading debate team in all of Seminole County.
6. Ashley and Leroy, brother and sister, are captains of the debate team.
7. The students debate other teams from other parts of the state every third
Wednesday.
8. Alex is thinking of joining the chess club, too, but he doesn’t have much
extra time.
9. He works at the Central City Public Library shelving books on Saturdays.
10. Between school, football, clubs, and work, Alex has to plan his days
carefully.
11. Last month Alex and his family had a huge picnic in the park in the city.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
12. Alex planned to write a letter to his friend Horatio who lives in Miami.
At Home: Have the student identify as many common and
proper nouns as he or she can locate in a magazine or book.
How Tía Lola Came to Stay
Grade 6/ Unit 2
33
Grammar
Name
Proper Nouns
• Some proper nouns contain more than one word. Each
important word begins with a capital letter.
• The name of a day, month, or holiday begins with a capital letter.
Identify all of the proper nouns in the following sentences. Rewrite
each sentence, capitalizing all the proper nouns.
1. The broncos is a football team in our town of centerville.
2. mr. suarez is the coach for our rival football team, the panthers.
3. The broncos play on a field behind delaney creek boulevard, a main road.
4. Football is a popular sport in the state of florida.
5. The labor day kickoff party is enjoyed by all the citizens of centerville.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Write a proper noun for each of the following categories.
6. building
7. day of the week
8. month
9. holiday
10. country
34
How Tía Lola Came to Stay
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Have the student write at least two more proper
nouns for the categories above.
Grammar
Mechanics:
Punctuating a
Business Letter
Name
• Begin the greeting and closing of a business letter with a capital
letter.
• Use a colon after the greeting of a business letter. Use a
comma after the closing.
• Use a comma between the names of a city and a state.
• Use a comma between the day and year in a date.
Proofread this business letter for errors in punctuation and
capitalization. Make the necessary corrections.
144 East Arrowhead Drive
Charlotte North Carolina 28201
June 2 2005
The Carolina Lightnin’
P.O. Box 7252
Charlotte North Carolina 28207
dear Sir or Madam
My family and I just moved here from Colorado. As soccer fans, we
would like to receive the following information.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
We would like to have a schedule of Lightnin’ home games. Also, we’d
like to know the cost of tickets.
Thank you for your assistance.
sincerely yours
Katrina Halbertstam
At Home: Have the student write a business letter asking for
information.
How Tía Lola Came to Stay
Grade 6/ Unit 2
35
Grammar
Proofreading Common
and Proper Nouns
Name
• A common noun names any person, place, thing, or idea, and
does not begin with a capital letter unless it begins a sentence.
• Some proper nouns contain more than one word. Each
important word begins with a capital letter. The name of a day,
month, or holiday begins with a capital letter.
Proofread this business letter for errors in capitalization and
punctuation. Underline any letters you think should be capitalized.
Put brackets [ ] around any letters you think should not be
capitalized. Make the necessary corrections in punctuation for a
business letter.
978 river road
ramsey new jersey 07446
april 15 2005
The arizona cacti
P.O. Box 1234
chandler arizona 85224
I have just begun school here in new jersey, but my Family used to
live in arizona and utah. I would like to attend baseball camp during
the Summer of 2005 with your organization. My Family will be
traveling to arizona for the fourth of july, so the week of july 9 through
july 15 would be best. Please let me know the cost of one Week of
camp and any Equipment I might need to bring with me.
Thank you for your assistance.
sincerely yours
Matthew Perricone
36
How Tía Lola Came to Stay
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Have the student write a business letter to the
sports team of their choosing, using correct punctuation
and capitalization.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
dear sir or madam
Grammar
Test: Common
and Proper Nouns
Name
Circle the letter of the correct form of capitalization for the
underlined proper nouns. If the word or words is correctly
capitalized, circle C for no error.
1. Isabel traveled to Knoxville, Tennessee, with her softball team, the
chattanooga wildcats.
a. Chattanooga wildcats
b. Chattanooga Wildcats
c. no error
2. All team members stayed at the Tyson Park Hotel on beaumont avenue.
a. Beaumont Avenue
b. Beaumont avenue
c. no error
3. If Isabel and her team members win, they may travel to england and
ireland.
a. England and ireland
b. England and Ireland
c. no error
4. The tournament is scheduled for monday, may 30, memorial day.
a. Monday, May 30, Memorial Day
b. Monday, may 30, Memorial Day
c. no error
5. Isabel took copies of National Geographic to read on the bus trip.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
a. national Geographic
b. national geographic
c. no error
At Home: Have the student find examples of proper nouns in
newspaper or magazine articles.
How Tía Lola Came to Stay
Grade 6/ Unit 2
37
Grammar
Name
More Practice:
Common and
Proper Nouns
• A common noun names any person, place, thing, or idea.
• A proper noun names a particular person, place, thing, or idea.
• Some proper nouns may contain more than one word.
Capitalize each important word.
Read the following nouns. Decide whether each noun should be written
with a capital letter. Then write each noun under the correct picture.
1. county historical
society
2. bijou theater
3. lunch
4. movie
5. waldham
university
6. taxi
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
7. friendship
8. lenoir city
state park
9. assistant
10. jackson,
Mississippi
38
How Tía Lola Came to Stay
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Ask the student to find ten examples of proper
and common nouns in books or magazines.
Grammar
Singular and
Plural Nouns
Name
• A singular noun names one person, place, thing, or idea.
• A plural noun names more than one person, place, thing, or
idea.
• Add -s to form the plural of most singular nouns.
• Add -es to form the plural of singular nouns that end in s, sh,
ch, or x.
Read each sentence. Underline each singular noun. Put brackets [ ]
around each plural noun.
1. Hector Menendez was happy to get a new telescope as one of his birthday
gifts.
2. Hector enjoys gazing at the stars with his grandfather.
3. Mr. Menendez knows a lot about the planets and space.
4. He was a teacher for many years in local schools.
5. Hector has had serious thoughts about becoming an astronaut.
Write the plural form of each singular noun below.
6. planet
7. newspaper
8. brush
9. project
10. minute
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
11. shoe
12. branch
13. legend
14. mix
15. experience
At Home: Have the student list ten singular nouns and ten
plural nouns seen around him or her.
The Night of the Pomegranate
Grade 6/ Unit 2
39
Grammar
Singular and
Plural Nouns
Name
• Add -es to form the plural of singular nouns that end in s, sh,
ch, or x.
• To form the plural of nouns ending in a consonant and y,
change the y to i and add -es.
• To form the plural of nouns ending in a vowel and y, add -s.
• If a noun ends in f, sometimes add -s, or change the f to
a v and add -es. Change lf to v and add -es.
Correct the misspellings of the plural nouns in these sentences.
1. Hector believes in his fantasys about becoming an astronaut.
2. He plans to begin his studys to become a pilot soon.
3. Yesterday, Hector got two boxs of books in the mail about space travel.
4. There will be no delayes for Hector in his goal to reach outer space.
5. Lots of girls and boyes at Hector’s school share his dream.
Write the plural form of each singular noun below.
6. roof
7. speech
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. community
9. glass
10. journey
11. self
12. flash
40
The Night of the Pomegranate
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Ask the student to choose five of the nouns above
and write two sentences for each.
Grammar
Mechanics: Using
Commas in a Series
Name
• A comma tells the reader to pause between the words that it
separates.
• Use commas to separate three or more words in a series.
• Do not use a comma after the last word in a series.
Rewrite each sentence, inserting commas in the correct places.
One sentence needs no commas.
1. Hector’s favorite planets are Mars Venus Jupiter and Earth.
2. Hector gathered paints pencils paintbrushes and poster board for his
project.
3. His project would show the scope the wonder and the beauty of the solar
system.
4. Hector’s mom brought him milk fruit nuts and cookies while he worked.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
5. Hector ate only the milk and fruit.
At Home: Have the student write five sentences that contain
items in a series, inserting commas in the correct places.
The Night of the Pomegranate
Grade 6/ Unit 2
41
Grammar
Proofreading:
Singular and
Plural Nouns
Name
• Add -s to form the plural of most singular nouns.
• Add -es to form the plural of singular nouns that end in s, sh,
ch, or x.
• To form the plural of nouns ending in a consonant and y,
change the y to i and add -es.
• To form the plural of nouns ending in a vowel and y, add -s.
Proofread this editorial for errors in spelling and puncutation. Put
brackets [ ] around any misspellings of singular or plural nouns.
Add commas in a series where needed.
This country spends far too much money on space travel. We have
enough problem right here on Earth! We need to improve our road
systems water systems and air quality. We need our communitys to band
together to think of fixs for these problem. How many discoverys must
astronauts make? Large quantitys of money spent on space exploration
will not make Earth a better places to live! Let’s get together—friendes
enemys and all—no more fantasys about space!
42
The Night of the Pomegranate
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Have the student write an editorial about space
travel, using plurals and series commas correctly.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Editorial from the Sun City Sentinel:
Grammar
Test: Singular
and Plural Nouns
Name
Complete the following sentences. Use the plural form of the noun
in parentheses.
1. Hector has been collecting (rock) for many years.
2. He keeps them in (box) in the attic.
3. He recently found a rare one between two (blade) of grass.
4. He always looks under (bush) for special finds.
5. Hector has a special pair of (glass) he wears in the sun.
6. He sometimes brings (berry) to eat on his rock-hunting trips.
7. There are several different (approach) to rock collecting.
8. Some people have elaborate (ceremony) before they begin.
9. Hector thinks these are sturdy (shelf).
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. He just makes a few (sandwich) and heads out the door.
11. Sunlight shone through the (leaf) on the trees.
12. (bunch) of wild grapes grew on the vines.
At Home: Ask the student to open a book or magazine and
find ten singular and ten plural nouns.
The Night of the Pomegranate
Grade 6/ Unit 2
43
Grammar
Name
Review: Nouns
• A plural noun names more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
• Add -s to form the plural of most singular nouns.
• Add -es to form the plural of singular nouns that end in s, sh,
ch, or x.
• To form the plural of nouns ending in a consonant and y,
change y to i and add -es.
• To form the plural of nouns ending in a vowel and y, add -s.
Mechanics
• Use commas to separate three or more words in a series.
• Do not use a comma after the last word in a series.
Work with a partner. One partner reads a sentence, changing
the singular nouns to plural nouns. The other partner writes
the sentence correctly, using commas where they are needed.
Exchange papers to proofread each other’s sentences.
1. Hector’s grandfather encourages him to have tie to the local science museum.
2. Hector knows he must be strong brave and stubborn to become an astronaut.
4. Hector’s parents are both attorney, with big office important title and grand case.
44
The Night of the Pomegranate
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Ask the student to write a short paragraph
including singular and plural nouns explaining their plans
for the future.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
3. He has spent many evenings studying math physics and chemistry.
Grammar
More Plural
Nouns/Spellings
Name
• To form the plural of most nouns ending in f or fe, add -s.
• For others, change the f to v and add -es.
Write the plural form of each singular noun below.
1. half
2. wolf
3. loaf
4. dwarf
5. life
6. wife
7. puff
8. knife
9. spoof
Rewrite these sentences using the correct plural form.
10. Rosita is one of many executive cheves at the restaurant.
11. Rosita owns several expensive knifes, which she uses in her work.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
12. She keeps her pots and pans on the shelfs above the stove.
At Home: Have the student choose five of the plural nouns
above and use them in a sentence.
Zoo Story •
Grade 6/ Unit 2
45
Grammar
Name
More Plural Nouns
• To form the plural of nouns that end with a vowel and o, add -s.
• To form the plural of nouns that end with a consonant and o,
add -s or -es.
• Some nouns have special plural forms.
• A few nouns have the same singular and plural forms.
Write the plural form of each singular noun below.
1. mouse
2. rodeo
3. potato
4. ox
5. concerto
6. silo
7. wolf
8. self
9. child
10. moose
11. headquarters
12. knife
13. ratio
14. mix
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
15. goose
46
Zoo Story •
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Have the student write a paragraph in which he or
she uses five of the nouns above in plural form.
Grammar
Mechanics: Using
Correct Plural Forms
Name
•
•
•
•
To form the plural of most nouns ending in f or fe, add -s.
For other nouns, change the f to v and add -es.
To form the plural of nouns that end with a vowel and o, add -s.
To form the plural of nouns that end with a consonant and o,
add -s or -es.
• Some nouns have special plural forms that must be memorized.
• A few nouns have the same singular and plural forms.
Read each sentence. If the sentence contains an incorrect plural
form, rewrite it using the correct plural form. If the sentence is
correct, write C on the line.
1. Alicia’s father took photoes of the hurricane damage.
2. There were knifes all over the kitchen floor after the storm.
3. The children helped to pick up fallen branches in the yard.
4. Some familys had nowhere to live.
5. The local grocery store donated many boxs of food.
6. Everybody ate lots of potatos the week after the storm.
7. The roofs came off completely on several houses.
8. Lots of people became heros overnight.
9. They delivered loafs of bread and gallons of milk to hungry people.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. Men and womans all over the town handed out ice and water.
At Home: Have the student make flash cards with the singular
spelling on the front and the plural spelling on the back.
Zoo Story •
Grade 6/ Unit 2
47
Grammar
Proofreading: Plural
Nouns and Their
Correct Spellings
Name
•
•
•
•
To form the plural of most nouns ending in f or fe, add -s.
For other nouns, change the f to v and add -es.
To form the plural of nouns that end with a vowel and o, add -s.
To form the plural of nouns that end with a consonant and o,
add -s or -es.
• Some nouns have special plural forms that must be memorized.
• A few nouns have the same singular and plural forms.
Proofread this passage. Then rewrite the
passage using the correct plural form. Correct
any mistakes in capitalization or punctuation.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
since I live in florida, I have a lot of personal
experience with hurricanes. This summer, four
hurricanes hit the state of florida my parents
made sure we had plenty of canned food water
and diapers for the baby batterys were in short
supply at the store, and all the familys on my
street rushed out to buy the few battery-powered
radioes left on the store shelfs we were safe and
dry in our house we had three loafs of bread and
lots of peanut butter
48
Zoo Story •
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Invite the student to write a short paragraph about
a rain- or snowstorm, using at least three plural nouns in their
writing.
Grammar
Test: More
Plural Nouns
Name
Put a circle around the noun or nouns that are spelled correctly in each row.
1. mouses
wolves
womens
2. bluffs
wifes
zooes
3. radioes
deers
moose
4. geese
studioes
lifes
5. siloes
oxen
mans
Rewrite the nouns from the lists above that are not spelled correctly.
Then use each noun in a sentence.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
12.
13.
14.
15.
At Home: Ask the student to write a short paragraph on the
subject of mice, or deer, using the correct plural forms of
these nouns.
Zoo Story •
Grade 6/ Unit 2
49
Grammar
Review: More
Plural Nouns
Name
•
•
•
•
To form the plural of most nouns ending in f or fe, add -s.
For other nouns, change the f to v and add -es.
To form the plural of nouns that end with a vowel and o, add -s.
To form the plural of nouns that end with a consonant and o,
add -s or -es.
• Some nouns have special plural forms that must be memorized.
• A few nouns have the same singular and plural forms.
Correct the errors in plural nouns in each sentence. Write the sentence
with the correct capital letters.
1. Some animals were as small as gooses. Some animals were as large as
oxes.
2. When hurricanes hit zooes, all animals, great and small, suffer.
3. The force of the wind blew the rooves off the animal cagess.
5. They listened on their radioes for news about the hurricane.
50
Zoo Story •
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Ask the student to write a brief paragraph in which
he or she uses five of the words above in plural form.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. Everybody at zoo headquarteres was very worried.
Grammar
Name
Possessive Nouns
• A possessive noun is a noun that shows who or what owns or
has something.
• Form a singular possessive noun by adding an apostrophe (’)
and -s to a singular noun.
Circle the possessive noun or nouns in each sentence. Then write
what the possessive noun owns or has.
1. The fairy tale was about an old king’s daughter.
2. The girl’s mother was very protective of her.
3. The daughter’s name was Aurora.
4. Aurora’s life was very different from yours or mine.
5. Her father’s riches could not protect her.
6. Her mother’s love could not save her.
7. Only Aurora’s fairy godmother could help her.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. The old woman’s skill with casting a spell was well known.
9. The king’s knowledge of it saved Aurora from an eternity of sleep.
10. The fairy tale’s ending is well known.
At Home: Have the student shorten groups of words by
using singular possessive nouns: the shoe of the girl; the
skill of the boy.
Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter
Grade 6/ Unit 2
51
Grammar
Name
Forming Plural
Possessive Nouns
• A plural possessive noun is a plural noun that shows ownership.
• To form the possessive of a plural noun that ends in -s, add an
apostrophe.
• To form the possessive of a plural noun that does not end in -s,
add an apostrophe and -s.
Write the plural possessive for each of the singular possessive
nouns below.
1. writer’s
2. boss’s
3. story’s
4. farmer’s
5. man’s
6. husband’s
7. villager’s
8. daughter’s
9. father’s
10. mother’s
11. buffalo’s
12. child’s
13. thief’s
14. woman’s
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
15. moose’s
16. mouse’s
17. wolf’s
18. zoo’s
19. ox’s
20. century’s
52
Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Have the student choose five of the nouns listed
above and write sentences for plural possessive forms.
Grammar
Mechanics: Plural and
Possessive Nouns
Name
• Add -s to most nouns to form the plural. Do not use an
apostrophe.
• Add an apostrophe and -s to a singular noun to make it
possessive.
• Add an apostrophe to make most plural nouns possessive. Add
’s to plural nouns that do not end in -s.
Label the following nouns as S for singular, SP for singular
possessive, P for plural, or PP for plural possessive.
1. city’s
9. witness’s
2. boat
10. actors’
3. Douglas
11. bicycle
4. cats
12. boss
5. Smiths’
13. dogs
6. rodeo’s
14. actresses’
7. painters
15. Tim’s
8. writers’
On the line, write the possessive form of each word in parentheses.
16. All of the (village) citizens were worried about Aurora.
17. The (farmer) harvest was going to be a good one this year.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
18. The (story) ending was always a surprise.
19. Aurora’s (father) advisers were deep in thought.
20. The (hero) arrival on the scene was expected.
At Home: Have the student choose five of the nouns in the
first exercise above and write the other three forms for each.
Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter
Grade 6/ Unit 2
53
Grammar
Name
Proofreading:
Possessive Nouns
and Their Plurals
• Add -s to most nouns to form the plural. Do not use an
apostrophe.
• Add an apostrophe and -s to a singular noun to make it
possessive.
• Add an apostrophe to make most plural nouns possessive. Add
’s to plural nouns that do not end in -s.
Proofread this persuasive essay. Then rewrite the essay using the
correct posssessive or plural form of the nouns. Add apostrophes and
-s where needed to form possessive nouns. Correct any mistakes in
capitalization or punctuation.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
It is many peoples opinion that fairy tale’s are too violent for childrens.
I do not agree with this position. My grandparents’ enjoyed reading aloud
classic stories to my sister’s and me. My sisters memorys of these read aloud
time’s are all wonderful, they assure me. As for me, Red Riding Hoods
demise at the wolves hands did not scare me at all. I could not wait to hear
what happened to Hansel and Gretel after they got fat enough! A childs
delight should not be measured in such black and white terms.
54
Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Invite the student to write a short paragraph about
a shared family tradition.
Grammar
Test:
Possessive Nouns
Name
Rewrite the following groups of words in possessive form.
1. the sounds of the village
2. the generosity of the elders
3. the hands of the thief
4. the scene of the movie
5. the peaks of the mountains
6. the cries of the children
7. the history of Spain
8. the sisters of Alex
9. the rivers of the South
10. the property of the villagers
11. the voice of the people
12. the legs of the oxen
13. the problems of society
14. the traditions of the families
15. the bite of the snake
16. the feathers of the birds
17. the paw of the lion
18. the roles of the actresses
19. the eyes of the tiger
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
20. the laughter of the girls
At Home: Ask the student to put together the “ideal” person
by taking characteristics from various famous people.
Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter
Grade 6/ Unit 2
55
Grammar
Review:
Possessive Nouns
Name
• A possessive noun is a noun that shows who or what owns or
has something.
• Form a singular possessive noun by adding an apostrophe (’)
and -s to a singular noun.
• To form the possessive of a plural noun that ends in -s, add an
apostrophe.
• To form the possessive of a plural noun that does not end in -s,
add an apostrophe and -s.
Mechanics
• Add -s to most nouns to form the plural. Do not use an apostrophe.
Read each sentence aloud. Then rewrite the sentence using the correct
singular or plural possessive noun. Place apostrophes in the correct places.
1. A young persons life in a fairy tale is usually one of danger and mystery.
2. Auroras story, like that of Cinderella, is told in many cultures.
3. Sleeping Beauty is Tashas favorite tale.
5. Peoples fascination with fairy tales seems to be unending.
56
Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Ask the student to write five sentences about their
favorite fairy tale, using possessives in each sentence.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. The godmothers care of young Aurora was wonderful to read about.
Grammar
Name
Appositives
• An appositive is a word or group of words that follows a noun
and identifies or explains the noun.
• Commas are used to set off most appositives from the rest of
the sentence.
Read each sentence. If the sentence contains an appositive,
write A on the line and circle the appositive word or phrase. If the
sentence does not contain an appositive, write N.
1. The Great Serum Race began in Nome, a city in Alaska.
2. The city had several cases of diphtheria, a fast-spreading disease.
3. In 1925, Nome had a population of about 1,400 people.
4. The cure for diphtheria, antitoxin serum, was not available.
5. The nearest supply was in Anchorage, 1,000 miles away.
6. Bill Shannon, the first musher to carry the serum, left Anchorage on
January 27.
7. Bill had a team of nine malamutes.
8. Togo, a proven leader, waited anxiously to begin his part of the
race.
9. Togo’s leader was Leonhard, the famed Norwegian musher.
10. Balto, another famous lead dog, finally finished the race and delivered the
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
serum.
At Home: Have the student look through a newspaper
or magazine and locate three appositives or appositive
phrases.
The Great Serum Race
Grade 6/ Unit 2
57
Grammar
Name
Appositives
• You can use an appositive to combine two short sentences in
one.
Read each pair of sentences. Then combine them using an
appositive word or phrase. Be sure to write the new sentence
using a comma or commas to set off the appositive.
1. The serum was located in Anchorage. Anchorage is a city in southern
Alaska.
2. Alfred John heard the roar of the steam engine. He was a five-year-old
Athabaskan Indian.
3. Alfred wore his warmest shoes. They were caribou legskin boots.
4. Bill’s dogsled team raced toward Tolovana. Tolovana was the first relay
stop some fifty-two miles away.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
5. Bill enjoyed his regular job. His regular job was transporting mail and freight
with his dog team.
58
The Great Serum Race
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Have the students write three sentences
containing appositives about places they visited and the
people who lived in those places.
Grammar
Mechanics: Using
Commas with
Appositives
Name
• Use commas to set off most appositives from the rest of the
sentence.
Add commas where they are needed to set off appositives in the
following sentences.
1. Leonhard wore his warmest clothing a squirrel skin parka, sealskin pants,
and reindeer mukluks.
2. He was going to intercept the serum at Nulato a village halfway between
Nome and Nenana.
3. Dog teams always wore bells a warning to pedestrians as they ran
through town.
4. Togo led the team down Front Street the town’s main road.
5. Edgar Kalland a twenty-year-old Athabaskan Indian mail driver waited
anxiously.
6. He waited outside the Tolovana Roadhouse a favorite rest stop for dogsled teams.
7. Edgar soon took off for Manly Hot Springs a thirty-one-mile trip to the next
relay point.
8. The dogs had to wade through slush a dangerously wet snow that was
caused by a crack in the ice.
9. Musher Charlie Evans faced the coldest temperatures sixty-four degrees
below zero.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. Balto a true hero finally saved the day.
At Home: Have the student write five sentences that contain
appositives.
The Great Serum Race
Grade 6/ Unit 2
59
Grammar
Proofreading:
Appositives
Name
• An appositive is a word or group of words that follows a noun
and identifies or explains the noun.
• Commas are used to set off most appositives from the rest of
the sentence.
• You can use an appositive to combine two short sentences.
Proofread this persuasive essay. Then
rewrite the essay using appositives to
combine sentences. Add any necessary
commas. Correct any mistakes in
capitalization or punctuation.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
many dogs work hard every day. These Dogs are
called service dogs. Our town has a program to train
these animals. The program is called PAWS. PAWS
dogs help not only people who are blind, but also
those who are hearing impaired and those with paralyzed hands or legs.
The dogs are trained to pick up objects open or close doors turn lights on
and off and help the person get into and out of a wheelchair. Contact the
organization to offer your support. You can help in two ways. You can
volunteer your time. You can give funds.
60
The Great Serum Race
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Invite the student to write a persuasive essay
urging others to support a worthy cause.
Grammar
Name
Test: Appositives
Rewrite the following sentences. Underline the appositive word or
phrase, adding commas where they are needed.
1. Alaska the home of the great Iditarod Race is a beautiful state.
2. On the west, it is bordered by the Bering Sea an immense expanse of
water.
3. Canada a very large country shares Alaska’s border.
4. Mount Denali also known as Mount McKinley is located in Alaska.
5. Denali Athabaskan for “The Great One” is over twenty thousand feet high.
Use appositives to combine each pair of sentences. Write the
sentences on the line. Be sure to place the commas correctly.
6. Juneau is a large city in southeastern Alaska. Juneau is the capital of
Alaska.
7. Ketchikan is famous for its fishing industry. Ketchikan is located near the
Canadian border.
8. Noatak and Yukon Charley are beautiful national preserves. Noatak and
Yukon Charley are located in Alaska.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
9. Mount Denali is located in Denali National Park. Mount Denali is the
highest point in North America.
10. The Yukon lies to the east of Alaska. The Yukon is part of Canada.
At Home: Ask the student to write a paragraph about a city
that interests him or her.
The Great Serum Race
Grade 6/ Unit 2
61
Grammar
Name
Review: Appositives
• An appositive is a word or group of words that follows a noun
and identifies or explains the noun. You can use an appositive
to combine two short sentences into one.
Mechanics
• Use commas to set off most appositives from the rest of the
sentence.
Use the groups of words below as appositives to write four
sentences about a mountain you would like to climb. (You may
make up some “make-believe” nouns, if you wish.) Be sure to
place commas correctly.
1. a place of rare beauty
2. a mountain over twenty thousand feet high
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
3. also known as Mount McKinley
4. extreme cold and gale-force winds
62
The Great Serum Race
Grade 6/ Unit 2
At Home: Ask the student to write three sentences
containing appositives about a challenge he or she would
like to take on.
Grammar
Name
Unit Review: Nouns
Read each passage and look at each underlined section. Is there a
mistake? If there is, how do you correct it? Circle the letter of your
answer.
Miguel and Juanita moved from new york city to Vermont. Tía Lola soon
(1)
came to live with them. In june, when school let out, Miguel started practicing
(2)
baseball. When their neighbor, Colonel Charlebois, came to visit, Miguel felt
sure something would go wrong.
(3)
1. A. Change new york city to New York city.
B. Change Vermont to vermont.
C. Change new york city to New York City.
D. No mistake
2. A. Change In to in.
B. Change school to School.
C. Change june to June.
D. No mistake
3. A. Change When to when.
B. Change Colonel Charlebois to colonel Charlebois.
C. Change neighbor to Neighbor.
D. No mistake
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Some familys don’t enjoy star-gazing. But Louis family is not one of these.
(4)
(5)
The Hernandez family has a high-powered telescope. Every member of the
family, even little Juanita, knows the names of the planets and even some of
their moons. They are solar-system enthusiasts.
4. A. Change familys to families.
5. A. Change Louis to Louises.
B. Change familys to family’s.
B. Change Louis to Louises’.
C. Change familys to familys’.
C. Change Louis to Louis’s.
D. No mistake
D. No mistake
Unit Review •
Grade 6/ Unit 2
63
Grammar
Name
Unit Review: Nouns
Read each passage and look at each underlined section. Is there a
mistake? If there is, how do you correct it? Circle the letter of your
answer.
My brother thinks that people who climb mountains like Denali are heros. I
(6)
agree with him. I look at all the roofes in my town, and even they seem to high
(7)
too climb. My personal belief is that people should stay on the ground.
(8)
6. A. Change Denali to denali.
8. A. Change My to my.
B. Change brother to brother’s.
B. Change beliefs to believes.
C. Change heros to heroes.
C. Change beliefs to belief’s.
D. No mistake
D. No mistake
7. A. Change roofes to rooves’.
B. Change roofes to roof’s.
C. Change roofes to roofs.
D. No mistake
Sophia likes to talk about her grandparents home in Alaska. The girls
(9)
(10)
relatives lived in the city of Kodiak on Kodiak Island. This island is in the
southernmost part of Alaska.
9. A. Change grandparents to grandparents’.
B. Change grandparents to Grandparents.
D. No mistake
10. A. Change girls to girles.
B. Change girls to girls’.
C. Change girls to girl’s.
D. No mistake
64
Unit Review •
Grade 6/ Unit 2
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
C. Change Sophia to Sophia’s.
Grammar
Name
Action Verbs
• An action verb is a word that expresses action. It tells what the
subject does or did.
• A direct object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action
of the verb. It answers the question what? or whom? after the
verb.
Underline the action verbs and circle the direct objects in the
following sentences.
1. Jose buys roses.
2. Jose learns many facts.
3. His grandfather showed him the beautiful rose bushes.
4. Jose uses his nose.
5. One of his brothers got a new rose bush.
6. He planted the bush in the front yard.
7 . Jose rides his bike every day.
8. His grandfather cuts the roses.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
9. Jose plays the trumpet.
10. He performs all kinds of music.
11. Jose watches music concerts on television every Saturday.
12. Jose likes his teachers.
At Home: Identify action verbs and direct objects in a
magazine or newspaper article.
Juan Verdades •
Grade 6/Unit 3
65
Grammar
Name
Indirect Objects
• An indirect object is a noun or pronoun in the predicate that
answers the question to whom? or for whom? or to what? or for
what? after an action verb.
Underline each action verb once and each direct object twice.
Put brackets [ ] around each indirect object.
1. Mr. Wagner gave Jose some lessons.
2. Mrs. Wagner baked everybody cookies.
3. Jose read his sister a story.
4. His sister sang Jose a song.
5. Jose’s grandfather gave him some good advice.
6. Jose sent his mother a birthday card.
7. She gave him her thanks.
8. Mr. Wagner bought his daughter a violin.
9. She showed us her violin.
11. Jose played his grandfather music.
12. Schools give music students excellent opportunities.
66
Juan Verdades •
Grade 6/Unit 3
At Home: Write a paragraph about a flower. Underline each
action verb once and each direct object twice.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. Jose handed Mrs. Wagner a red rose.
Grammar
Mechanics:
Subject-Verb
Agreement
Name
• A verb must agree with its subject.
• Add -s to most verbs if the subject is singular. Do not add -s if
the subject is plural or I or you.
Rewrite each sentence below, making the correct choices from the
words in parentheses so that subjects and their verbs agree.
1. Jose (want, wants) to learn about growing roses.
2. You (shop, shops) for new rose bushes each year in May.
3. Jose (know, knows) that taking care of roses is a lot of work.
4. His grandparents (tell, tells) Jose all about different kinds of roses.
5. I (give, gives) Jose a beautiful pink rose.
6. Jose (offer, offers) his grandfather a hand.
7. Jose (ask, asks) his grandfather a question.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. Jose (buy, buys) his grandmother some roses.
9. The flowers (make, makes) the neighbor sneeze.
10. Jose’s grandfather (plant, plants) rose bushes every year.
At Home: In the sentences above, draw an arrow from each
subject to the verb with which it agrees.
Juan Verdades •
Grade 6/Unit 3
67
Grammar
Proofreading:
Action Verbs and
Indirect Objects
Name
• An action verb is a word that expresses action. It tells what the
subject does or did.
• A direct object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action
of the verb. It answers the question what? or whom? after the
verb.
• An indirect object is a noun or pronoun in the predicate that
answers to whom? or for whom? or to what? after an action
verb. An indirect always comes before a direct object.
Rewrite the character sketch below correcting any mistakes made
with verbs that do not agree with their subjects.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Jose’s grandfather are always telling him stories about old New Mexico.
Popi are a small man, thin and wiry. He has unusually large hands, though,
the fingers thick and blunt. He wear heavy black glasses with thick plastic
lenses. His eyes is pale brown, almost yellow-gold. Popi come from Mexico,
and although his English seem perfect, he speak with a faint accent, almost
as if he are singing. Popi often sing Jose songs from Mexico.
68
Juan Verdades •
Grade 6/Unit 3
At Home: Write a character sketch of someone you know,
using at least one indirect object.
Grammar
Test: Action Verbs
and Objects
Name
Read each sentence. Write whether the underlined word is a direct
object, an indirect object, or an action verb.
1. Jose told Popi a story.
2. Popi asked Jose about the new roses.
3. Jose read the book out loud.
4. Popi played Jose a new song.
5. Jose bought his mom a rose.
6. He bought Popi a book.
7. Jose told Popi a joke.
8. Popi asked Jose a question.
9. Jose plays his trumpet every evening.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. Jose’s teacher gave the class homework.
Juan Verdades •
Grade 6/Unit 3
69
Grammar
Review:
Action Verbs
and Objects
Name
• An action verb is a word that expresses action. It tells what the
subject does or did.
• A direct object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of
the verb. It answers the question what? or whom? after the verb.
• An indirect object is a noun or pronoun in the predicate that
answers the question to whom? or for whom? or to what? or
for what? after an action verb. An indirect object always comes
before a direct object.
Mechanics
• Use commas to separate three or more words in a series.
• Do not use a comma after the last word in a series.
Look at the picture. Rewrite
each sentence, using the
picture to help describe it.
Add the sentence part or
punctuation shown in
parentheses.
2. Jose will cut. (Add a direct object.)
3. Popi will tell how to grow roses. (Add an indirect object.)
4. Popi’s garden has roses daisies and tulips. (Add punctuation.)
70
Juan Verdades •
Grade 6/Unit 3
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
1. Popi gave a rose. (Add an indirect object.)
Grammar
Name
Verb Tenses
• A verb in the present tense tells what happens now.
• In the present tense, you must have subject-verb agreement.
Add -s to most verbs if the subject is singular. Do not add -s if
the subject is plural or I or you.
Rewrite each sentence below, using the correct verb in
parentheses.
1. Eva (open, opens) her notebook and (begin, begins) to write.
2. Her teacher (tell, tells) her to write what she (know, knows).
3. Eva (sit, sits) on her stoop and (look, looks) out over 90th Street.
4. I (think, thinks) Eva may be bored.
5. You (know, knows) she has to stay busy.
6. The teacher (tell, tells) the students to speak loudly.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
7. When she writes on her stoop, Eva’s words (come, comes) easily.
8. Most of the students (do, does) not like to write.
At Home: Write a paragraph about a journal you would like
to keep. Make sure that each verb agrees with the subject.
Nothing Ever Happens on 90th
71
Street • Grade 6/Unit 3
Grammar
Name
Verb Tenses
• A verb in the past tense tells about an action that already
happened.
• Add -ed to most verbs to show past tense.
• A verb in the future tense tells about an action that is going to
happen.
• To write about the future, use the special verb will.
Write the verb in parentheses in the past tense.
1. Eva (want) something exciting to happen on her street.
2. A whole week (pass) with nothing for her to do.
3. Eva’s friend (whisper) to her that someone was coming to visit.
4. Eva (dress) up in her best outfit.
5. Her friend (warn) Eva not to get too excited.
6. Eva (hope) that something would happen soon.
Change the following verbs into the future tense.
7. like
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. enjoy
9. pick
10. make
11. remove
12. build
72
Nothing Ever Happens on 90th
Street • Grade 6/Unit 3
At Home: Write sentences for the six verbs in the future
tense above.
Grammar
Mechanics:
Punctuating Dialogue
Name
• Use quotation marks before and after the words of a direct quotation.
• Use a comma before a quotation when the speaker’s name
comes first.
• Use a comma, a question mark, or an exclamation point to end
the quotation when the speaker’s name comes last.
Proofread each sentence. Then rewrite the sentence using the
correct punctuation for dialogue.
1. Do you think anything will happen today asked Eva
2. Kevin asked Will you be coming to the play tonight, Eva
3. I’d love to come said Eva
4. Kevin said I’ll pick you up at six o’clock
5. Take me, too yelled Sarah
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
6. Write about what you know said Mrs. DeMarco
7. Nothing ever happens on this street yelled Eva
8. Are you all right asked Eva
At Home: Write a dialogue you might have with a friend.
Remember to use correct punctuation.
Nothing Ever Happens on 90th
73
Street • Grade 6/Unit 3
Grammar
Name
Proofreading:
Verb Tenses
• A verb in the present tense tells what happens now.
• In the present tense, you must have subject-verb agreement.
Add -s to most verbs if the subject is singular. Do not add -s if
the subject is plural or I or you.
• A verb in the past tense tells about an action that already happened.
• Add -ed to most verbs to show past tense.
• A verb in the future tense tells about an action that is going to happen.
• To write about the future, use the special verb will.
The writer of this dialogue did not proofread for mistakes. Put brackets [ ]
around any incorrect verb tenses. Rewrite the dialogue correcting verb forms
and adding correct punctuation.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Juliet and Romeo were sitting at the library table.
Juliet said Don’t look at my journal, Romeo
I was not looking cry Romeo
Yes, you were I sees you cry Juliet
Romeo whispers keeps your voice down
I’m only trying to puts my thoughts and feelings into writing whisper Juliet
Go right ahead say Romeo
Juliet replied Thank you. I do just that
74
Nothing Ever Happens on 90th
Street • Grade 6/Unit 3
At Home: Write a dialogue in which you have a disagreement
with a friend. Use correct punctuation and verb tenses.
Grammar
Name
Test: Verb Tenses
Circle the letter of the choice that corrects each numbered
sentence. If there is no error in the sentence, circle c for correct.
1. Last night, Eva attend the play with Kevin.
a. Last night, Eva attends the play with Kevin.
b. Last night, Eva attended the play with Kevin.
c. correct
2. Tomorrow she will attend the ballet with her father.
a. Tomorrow she attended the ballet with her father.
b. Tomorrow she attend the ballet with her father.
c. correct
3. Eva laugh at the play’s silly plot.
a. Eva laughed at the play’s silly plot.
b. Eva laughing at the play’s silly plot.
c. correct
4. Yesterday Eva’s parents watch the same play.
a. Yesterday Eva’s parents watches the same play.
b. Yesterday Eva’s parents watched the same play.
c. correct
5. By the end of the play, everyone guess who had committed the crime.
a. By the end of the play, everyone guessed who had committed the crime.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
b. By the end of the play, everyone guessing who had committed the
crime.
c. correct
6. Eva write a review of the play in her notebook.
a. Eva writes a review of the play in her notebook.
b. Eva wrote a review of the play in her notebook.
c. correct
Nothing Ever Happens on 90th
75
Street • Grade 6/Unit 3
Grammar
Name
Review: Action Verbs
and Objects
• In the present tense, you must have subject-verb agreement.
Add -s to most verbs if the subject is singular. Do not add -s if
the subject is plural or I or you.
• Add -ed to most verbs to show past tense.
• To write about the future, use the special verb will.
Mechanics
• If a verbs ends in s, ch, sh, x, or z, add -es in the present with a
singular subject.
• If a verb ends with a consonant and y, change y to i and add
-es for present or -ed for past.
• If a verb ends with e, drop the e and add -ed for the past.
• If a verb ends with one vowel and one consonant, double the
consonant before adding -ed for the past.
Correct the spelling of the verbs and their tenses in the sentences
below.
1. The students study all day yesterday.
2. Annette mix colors for her painting this morning.
3. Last week, Kevin promise to take Eva to the play.
5. Eva change into her new outfit before Kevin came over.
76
Nothing Ever Happens on 90th
Street • Grade 6/Unit 3
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. Eva and Kevin clap their hands after the actors took a bow.
Grammar
Main and
Helping Verbs
Name
• A verb phrase is made up of a main verb and one or more
helping verbs. A helping verb helps the main verb show an
action or make a statement.
• Common helping verbs are am, are, is, was, were, have, has,
had, do, does, did, be, being, been, will, shall, can, could,
would, should, might, must.
Write the verb phrases in the following sentences.
1. Anthony is helping his cousin with his business.
2. His cousin has started a solar-energy firm.
3. Solar energy will help the economy.
4. Anthony has been shown the data.
5. Anthony will learn all about solar energy.
6. He has seen it in many homes.
7. Usually, the sun is shining where
Anthony lives.
8. Anthony’s cousin will teach him a lot.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
9. He had asked Anthony about the job.
10. Anthony must remember many facts.
11. Anthony had always wanted a job like this.
12. Anthony and his cousin will travel to
work together.
At Home: Choose five of the helping verbs listed in the box
above and use them to write sentences.
Building Green •
Grade 6/Unit 3
77
Grammar
Name
Verb Tenses
• Main and helping verbs form different verb tenses.
Tense
Example
Present perfect
I have walked
Past perfect
I had walked
Present progressive
I am walking
Past progressive
I was walking
Future progressive
I will be walking
A. Name the tense of each of the following verbs.
1. am sitting
2. have seen
3. ride
4. will be sleeping
5. had studied
6. am helping
B. Write the form shown in parentheses for the verb in each sentence.
7. I work. (present progressive)
8. We worked here before. (past perfect)
9. We will work here for a while. (future progressive)
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. I will work for Anthony’s cousin this summer. (past progressive)
11. I am working hard. (present perfect)
12. I wait. (future progressive)
78
Building Green •
Grade 6/Unit 3
At Home: Choose four of the verbs in Part A above and
write sentences for them.
Grammar
Mechanics:
Contractions
Name
• A contraction is a shortened form of two words.
• A contraction can be made by combining a verb with the word
not.
• An apostrophe (’) shows that the letter o has been left out.
These contractions are formed from helping verbs. In each case,
the apostrophe replaces the letter o in not.
isn’t = is not
won’t = will not
doesn’t = does not
couldn’t = could not
mustn’t = must not
Write the contractions for the following helping verbs and not.
1. has not
2. were not
3. was not
4. have not
5. are not
Write the correct contraction of the helping verb and not on the
line. Be sure to put the apostrophe in the correct place.
6. Anthony
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
7. He
going to work on Saturday.
miss band practice this week.
8. His band leader
9. Anthony
10. He
happy with his trombone playing.
seem to play the notes correctly.
want to disappoint his leader.
At Home: Write three sentences about a skill you have
had difficulty mastering. Use a contraction in each of the
sentences.
Building Green •
Grade 6/Unit 3
79
Grammar
Proofreading:
Main and
Helping Verbs
Name
• A verb phrase is made up of a main verb and one or more
helping verbs. A helping verb helps the main verb show an
action or make a statement.
• Common helping verbs are am, are, is, was, were, have, has,
had, do, does, did, be, being, been, will, shall, can, could,
would, should, might, must.
The writer of this point of view essay did not proofread for
mistakes. Rewrite the essay correcting any mistakes made in verb
tense. Then underline the verb phrases.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
It is my opinion that people in this city should be ride bicycles instead of
driving cars. You can safely riding a bike to many destinations. I myself riding
mine to the grocery store the library and the post office. I have always think
that jump into a car for no good reason are a big waste of gas. If you would
took a trip to Beijing Tokyo or Amsterdam, you would saw hundreds of people
happily ride their bikes to work and school. We can done it here, too.
80
Building Green •
Grade 6/Unit 3
At Home: Write a short paragraph about a way to save
energy, using at least three helping verbs in your writing.
Grammar
Name
Test: Verb Tenses
Rewrite each underlined verb in the tense given in parentheses.
1. She chops some wood before leaving for school. (past perfect)
2. He asks his cousin for advice on building a windmill. (past)
3. They became very skilled at putting in solar-energy panels. (present
perfect)
4. I heard that Anthony is thinking of becoming an engineer. (past perfect)
5. I help Anthony tomorrow morning. (future progressive)
6. She ask the teacher for advice. (present)
7. The writers construct their stories from real events. (past)
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. By the time we were adults, I become a scientist. (past perfect)
9. I will wait for Anthony for a long time. (future progressive)
10. I waited for help on the solar-energy project. (past progressive)
At Home: Write a short paragraph on the subject of a future
career, using the future and future progressive tenses.
Building Green •
Grade 6/Unit 3
81
Grammar
Name
Review: Verb Tenses
• A verb phrase is made up of a main verb and one or more
helping verbs. A helping verb helps the main verb show an
action or make a statement.
• Common helping verbs are am, are, is, was, were, have, has,
had, do, does, did, be, being, been, will, shall, can, could,
would, should, might, must.
• Main and helping verbs form different verb tenses.
Mechanics
• A contraction is a shortened form of two words.
• A contraction is made by combining a verb with the word not.
Read the sentences aloud. Write the corrected sentences, making
sure that the verb phrases and contractions are correct.
1. Anthony’s band mates wasn’t happy with his trombone playing.
2. Anthony’s cousin will be come to pick up Anthony this morning.
4. Anthony is always wanted to be in two places at once.
5. Anthony’s friends have recognized the song he play.
82
Building Green •
Grade 6/Unit 3
At Home: Write two sentences in which you use two of the
helping verbs above.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
3. Anthony’s band leader tells him that if he attend practice, his playing will
improved.
Grammar
Name
Linking Verbs
• A linking verb does not show action. It links the subject to a
noun or an adjective in the predicate.
• Common linking verbs are am, is, are, was, were, be, being,
been, seem, feel, appear, become, look, taste, smell.
In the space provided, write the linking verbs in each of the
following sentences.
1. It is an ordinary day.
2. The three farmers feel happy.
3. The crop looks like a good one.
4. Suddenly someone appears at the edge of the field.
5. It looks like one of the farmer’s children.
6. She seems upset.
7. She is crying.
8. Now her father is worried.
9. The scientists felt good about their discovery.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. The scientists could be next year’s prize winners.
11. It seems that something is very wrong.
12. But it appears that the girl is mistaken.
At Home: Determine whether the subjects in the ten
sentences above are singular or plural.
The Emperor’s Silent Army 83
Grade 6/Unit 3
Grammar
Predicate Nouns
and Adjectives
Name
• A predicate noun follows a linking verb and renames or
identifies the subject.
• A predicate adjective follows a linking verb and describes the
subject.
In the space provided, write the predicate noun or predicate
adjective in the following sentences. Also, identify the word as
either a predicate noun or a predicate adjective.
1. The archaeologists felt happy.
2. Terracotta soldiers were the work of people in northern China.
3. The soldiers are a source of information for historians.
4. The soldiers seem real.
5. The men who created them are gone.
6. Their names are unknown.
7. The archaeologists could become prize winners.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. The soldiers are a reminder of past glory.
9. Every soldier looks different.
10. They are truly works of art.
84
The Emperor’s Silent Army
Grade 6/Unit 3
At Home: Choose five of the predicate nouns or adjectives
above and write sentences using them.
Grammar
Mechanics:
Titles of Works
Name
• Capitalize the first, last, and all important words in a title.
• Underline or use italics for titles of books, plays, newspapers,
magazines, movies, and TV series.
Capitalize and underline the following titles as they should appear.
Write the correct titles on the lines provided.
1. the king and i
2. martin’s dictionary for kids
3. tales by phantoms
4. the digitopolis gazette
Complete the following sentences with appropriate titles.
5. My favorite funny book is called
.
6. It is even funnier than
.
7. Have you ordered tickets to
?
8. Because my uncle likes science, he subscribes to the magazine
.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
9. I watch the TV series
10. I was really sorry when
11. Linda will bring
Friday.
12. How eager I am to see the movie
At Home: Find titles of books, plays, newspapers,
magazines, movies, and TV series.
on Saturday evenings.
went off the air.
for our newspaper study on
.
The Emperor’s Silent Army 85
Grade 6/Unit 3
Grammar
Proofreading:
Linking Verbs
Name
• A linking verb does not show action. It links the subject to a
noun or an adjective in the predicate.
• Common linking verbs are am, is, are, was, were, be, being,
been, seem, feel, appear, become, look, taste, smell.
The writer of this short story did not proofread for mistakes.
Rewrite the story correcting any mistakes made with linking verbs.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Lee, a young archaeologist, was work on an important site in northern
China. It was his first dig, and he was nervous. The dean of the school of
archaeology was watched him carefully. The dean was expect Lee to make
a big mistake. Lee, however, was very careful. One morning, when Lee had
already be digging for hours, his tiny shovel hit something solid. Lee know
immediately that it is not stone. He gingerly lifted the piece from the sand. It
are an arm band, an exquisite piece of gold jewelry. Lee stand up carefully,
hold his prize, and heading for the dean’s tent.
86
The Emperor’s Silent Army
Grade 6/Unit 3
At Home: Write a short story about an important
archaeological find. Use at least two linking verbs in
your writing.
Grammar
Test:
Linking Verbs
Name
Circle the letter of the choice that corrects each numbered
sentence. If there is no error in the sentence, circle c for correct.
1. The workers was excited.
a. The workers were excited.
b. The workers are looking excite.
c. correct
2. The clanging of the shovels sounds distant.
a. The clanging of the shovels sound distant.
b. The clanging of the shovels have sounded distant.
c. correct
3. People have grown more aware of archaeology.
a. People has grown more aware of archaeology.
b. People are grown more aware of archaeology.
c. correct
4. The terracotta soldiers looks real.
a. The terracotta soldiers looking real.
b. The terracotta soldiers look real.
c. correct
5. The archaeologists growed impatient as they continued to dig.
a. The archaeologists grew impatient as they continued to dig.
b. The archaeologists growing impatient as they continued to dig.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
c. correct
6. The names of the archaeologists is unknown.
a. The names of the archaeologists be unknown.
b. The names of the archaeologists are unknown.
c. correct
The Emperor’s Silent Army 87
Grade 6/Unit 3
Grammar
Name
Review:
Linking Verbs
The writer of this letter did not proofread for mistakes. Rewrite the letter
correcting any mistakes made with linking verbs, colons, and commas.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
May 15 2006
Dear Ms. Cummings
I am interesting in know about any classes in archaeology been held this
summer for middle school students. I is currently in the sixth grade at Kennedy
Middle School here in Topeka. I have reading a lot of books about archaeology,
but I am wanting a more direct experience. Please send any information to the
address above.
Sincerely
Jahlani Washington
88
The Emperor’s Silent Army
Grade 6/Unit 3
At Home: Write a business letter requesting information
from a museum on the topic of your choosing.
Grammar
Name
Irregular Verbs
• An irregular verb is a verb that does not add -ed to form the
past tense.
Present
Past
think
tear
sink
catch
freeze
break
blow
teach
wear
know
drink
choose
speak
thought
tore
sank
caught
froze
broke
blew
taught
wore
knew
drank
chose
spoke
Correct errors in verb tenses in the following sentences.
1. The sound of applause breaked the silence of the theater.
2. Sarah knowed how wonderful it would be!
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
3. Sarah catched the bouquet that was thrown onto the stage.
4. Sarah’s father blowed her a kiss from the audience.
5. She almost teared her costume as she made a deep bow.
6. Sarah often thinked about poetry.
At Home: Pick out irregular verbs from a newspaper or
magazine article and add them to the list.
The Case of the Phantom Poet 89
Grade 6/Unit 3
Grammar
Name
Irregular Verbs
• Some irregular verbs have special spellings when used with the
helping verbs have, has, or had.
Present
Past
Past (with have, has, had)
think
tear
sink
catch
freeze
break
blow
teach
wear
know
drink
choose
speak
thought
tore
sank
caught
froze
broke
blew
taught
wore
knew
drank
chose
spoke
thought
torn
sunk
caught
frozen
broken
blown
taught
worn
known
drunk
chosen
spoken
Each sentence contains an incorrect form of an irregular verb.
Write the correct verb form on the line provided.
1. As soon as Sarah stepped out onto the stage, she freezed.
2. Albert finally finded the prop he needed for Act Two.
4. She thinked that the speech was too long.
5. But the director had choosed Sarah for a reason; he knew she could do it.
90
The Case of the Phantom Poet
Grade 6/Unit 3
At Home: Choose five verbs from the chart and write
sentences for each, using the correct form.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
3. Sarah had speaked with the director about her lines in Act One.
Grammar
Mechanics:
Punctuating a
Play / Verb Usage
Name
• A play consists of characters, setting, stage directions, and
dialogue.
• Setting is shown in italic print.
• Characters’ names are indented and followed by a colon.
• Stage directions are shown in parentheses and in italic print,
following the colon after the character’s name.
• Dialogue is shown without quotation marks following a
character’s name.
Add or delete punctuation in the following play. Underline words
that should be in italic print. Correct any mistakes in verb form.
Scene 1
The kitchen; Sarah and her sister are sit at the kitchen table.
Sarah (upset, close to tears) “I can’t do it, Barb! I can’t star in the school play!”
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Barb: Of course you can. Remember when you starring in Cinderella in the
fourth grade? You even sanged a solo!”
Sarah (recovering; wiping her eyes) “Yes, yes, you’re right.”
Barb :And everybody clapping! Remember?”
At Home: Write a short play dialogue, using correct
punctuation and the correct verb forms.
The Case of the Phantom Poet 91
Grade 6/Unit 3
Grammar
Proofreading:
Irregular Verbs
Name
The writer of this play dialogue did not proofread for mistakes. Rewrite
the dialogue correcting any mistakes made in punctuating the scene.
Make sure verb forms are used correctly.
Scene 1
LaWonda on stage at rehearsal. With her is Danny and Sarah.
LaWonda loudly “Danny, you keep standed in front of Sarah! You’re
supposing to be behind her.
Danny defiantly “Who making you boss?”
LaWonda gesturing with the script “See? It sayed so right here!”
Sarah looked at her script, then pointing backstage “She’s right, Danny. You
belonged back there.”
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Danny sighing, then walking backstage “Two against one. Okay.”
92
The Case of the Phantom Poet
Grade 6/Unit 3
At Home: Write a dialogue where actors disagree with
each other.
Grammar
Name
Test:
Irregular Verbs
A. Write the past tense of each verb below.
1. wear
2. think
3. blow
4. drink
5. speak
B. Use the past participle of each verb in a sentence of your own.
6. freeze
7. catch
8. tear
9. choose
10. know
11. teach
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
12. break
The Case of the Phantom Poet 93
Grade 6/Unit 3
Grammar
Name
Review:
Irregular Verbs
• An irregular verb is a verb that does not add -ed to the past
tense.
• Some irregular verbs have special spellings when used with the
helping verbs have, has, or had.
Mechanics
• Use a comma to show a pause after an introductory word, such
as well.
• Use commas to set off words that interrupt the flow of thought
in a sentence, such as of course.
• Use commas to set off nouns of direct address.
Rewrite the sentences.
Use the correct form of the
irregular verb and insert
commas where they are
needed.
1. Mrs. Torrington has Sarah already speaked to you?
3. Well I hadn’t thinked about that yet!
4. Have you choosed what you are going to wear on opening night?
94
The Case of the Phantom Poet
Grade 6/Unit 3
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
2. Of course Sarah already knowed her lines!
Grammar
Name
Unit Review: Verbs
Read the passage and look at each underlined word. How would
you describe the word? Circle the letter of your answer.
Sarah sees a lot of old movies. The comedies of Frank Capra are among her
(1)
(2)
favorites. She especially likes A Pocketful of Miracles and A Hole in the
Head.
1. A. active verb
B. direct object
C. indirect object
D. subject
2. A. direct object
B. indirect object
C. subject
D. predicate
Read the passage and look at the underlined sentences. Is there a
mistake? If there is, how would you correct it? Circle the letter of your
answer.
Sarah has finally teached herself how to be confident onstage. It has tooken
(3)
lots of time and practice. Sarah finally knows that the butterflies she feels in her
(4)
(5)
stomach are simply excitement, not fright.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
3. A. Change teached to teach.
B. Change teached to had teached.
C. Change teached to taught.
D. No mistake
4. A. Change has tooken to has took.
B. Change has tooken to taked.
C. Change has tooken to has taken.
D. No mistake
5. A. Change knows to known.
B. Change knows to knowing.
C. Change knows to knowed.
D. No mistake
Unit Review •
Grade 6/Unit 3
95
Grammar
Name
Unit Review: Verbs
Sarah always drinked a big glass of orange juice and a big glass of water
(6)
before a performance. She has saying the drinks keep her throat from getting
(7)
dry. I think that she may be right.
(8)
6. A. Change drinked to drinking.
B. Change drinked to drink.
C. Change drinked to drank.
D. No mistake
7. A. Change has saying to has says.
B. Change has saying to has saids.
C. Change has saying to has said.
D. No mistake
8. A. Change think to thinking.
B. Change think to thinked.
C. Change think to thunk.
D. No mistake
Danny, however, has always wear his polka-dot socks onstage. He chooses to
(9)
believe that the socks give him good luck. Whatever it takes, Danny!
(10)
10. A. Change chooses to choosed.
B. Change chooses to choosing.
C. Change chooses to choose.
D. No mistake
96
Unit Review •
Grade 6/Unit 3
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
9. A. Change has always wear to has always worn.
B. Change has always wear to has always weared.
C. Change has always wear to has always wearing.
D. No mistake
Grammar
Pronouns and
Antecedents:
Learn the Skill
Name
• A pronoun is a word that takes the place of one or more nouns.
• The antecedent or referent of a pronoun is the word or
group of words to which the pronoun refers. Pronouns and
antecedents must agree.
Write a pronoun to take the place of the underlined noun or noun
phrase. Write your answer on the line provided.
1. Erik has climbed many mountains.
2. Climbers take special equipment with them.
3. Erik believes in proper training before a climb.
4. Erik’s partners try to stay in contact during a climb.
5. Has Peter seen the movie about Mount Everest?
Write the pronoun in the parentheses that agrees with its
underlined antecedent on the line provided.
6. Erik knew that (he, she) wanted to live a full life.
7. Erik’s friends asked if (she, they) could attend his marriage on a
mountain.
8. Climbers need ice axes, and I have seen one of (he, them).
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
9. When Peter talked to us about climbing, (he, she) was serious.
10. Peter tried to repair the radio, but (they, it) still would not work.
At Home: Have the student use ten pronouns to write a
short story about climbing a mountain.
Seeing Things His Own Way
Grade 6/ Unit 4
97
Grammar
Singular and
Plural Pronouns
Name
• Singular pronouns are I, you, he, she, it, me, him, and her.
• Plural pronouns are we, you, they, us, and them.
Fill in the blank with an appropriate pronoun. Write an S if the
pronoun is singular. Write a P if the pronoun is plural.
1.
wonder if Peter will come hiking.
2. After breakfast,
went on a hike.
3. The hikers take plenty of water with
.
?
4. Will Peter and Susanna hike with
5. Spanish is an interesting language, and
is easy to
learn.
6.
is interested in studying Spanish.
7. Peter signed up for a language class, and then
bought
the books for it.
8. The language school was far away, but Peter enjoyed walking to
.
9. Peter and Susanna both studied Spanish, and then
10. Peter called Susanna and asked
98
Seeing Things His Own Way
Grade 6/ Unit 4
to lunch.
At Home: Have the student write a sentence for each
pronoun used in the sentences above.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
studied French.
Grammar
Mechanics: PronounAntecedent Agreement
Name
• A pronoun is a word that takes the place of one or more nouns.
• The antecedent or referent of a pronoun is the word or
group of words to which the pronoun refers. Pronouns and
antecedents must agree.
• Singular pronouns are I, you, he, she, it, me, him, her.
• Plural pronouns are we, you, they, us, them.
Choose the pronoun in parentheses that correctly completes each
sentence. Write it on the line provided.
1. During the hike, (he, they) talk to each other.
2. (We, She) take peanut butter crackers for a snack.
3. (It, They) know that it is dangerous to hike after dark.
4. Take (me, they) with you.
5. Peter called Susanna, and (she, it) answered the phone.
Write an appropriate pronoun on the line.
6.
7. Will
8.
hopes to come on the hike with us.
be my hiking buddy?
both promised to come that weekend.
9. Peter was so happy that
will be leaving at dawn.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. Susanna said that
11.
12. Will
tonight?
could come.
sound like interesting characters.
watch my favorite television program with me
At Home: Have the student choose 5 pronouns from the
sentences above and write sentences about a fictional outing.
Seeing Things His Own Way
Grade 6/ Unit 4
99
Grammar
Name
Proofreading:
Pronouns–Singular
and Plural
• A pronoun is a word that takes the place of one or more nouns.
• The antecedent or referent of a pronoun is the word or
group of words to which the pronoun refers. Pronouns and
antecedents must agree.
Underline any pronouns that do not agree with their antecedents.
Then rewrite the interview, using the correct singular and plural
pronouns, capitalization, and punctuation.
I interviewed Brian Plomaco the famed one-armed mountaineer from utah.
I asked you how it feels to be so accomplished Brian noted that Everyone wants
their chance to do something great so you feel really lucky.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Brian and his Crew have climbed many Mountains, and he worked hard. Brian
says that every Climber first need the right gear which will make your climb safer.
100
Seeing Things His Own Way
Grade 6/ Unit 4
At Home: Have the student write an imaginary interview
with an uncommon champion of his or her choice.
Grammar
Name
Test: Pronouns
Choose the pronoun in parentheses that correctly completes the
following sentences. Write it on the line provided.
1. Peter brought the climbing ropes, and then he checked (them, it).
2. Susanna read the hiking manual and returned (it, him) to the library.
3. Peter tells Susanna (he, we) is glad she’s going on the hike.
4. Peter, will (you, her) e-mail your reply today?
5. Susanna likes orange juice, and so (she, it) brought some along.
Put brackets [ ] around each pronoun in the following sentences.
Write the pronoun’s antecedent on the line provided.
.
6. Susanna is going on the hike, and Peter is going with
7. Peter wrote a letter and then mailed
8. Peter likes apples and eats a lot of
9. Peter’s instructions help
.
.
, the beginners, have a safe
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
day.
10. Peter and Susanna saw the movie, but they did not like
.
Seeing Things His Own Way
Grade 6/ Unit 4
101
Grammar
Name
Review: Pronouns
• A pronoun is a word that takes the place of one or more nouns.
• The antecedent or referent of a pronoun is the word or
group of words to which the pronoun refers. Pronouns and
antecedents must agree.
• Singular pronouns are I, you, he, she, it, me, him, her.
• Plural pronouns are we, you, they, us, them.
Look at the picture. Add a singular or plural pronoun to complete
each sentence based on the picture.
left this morning.
1. Peter invited Susanna on a hike, and
to her.
2. Susanna wants some water, and Peter will give
4. Susanna’s backpack is too heavy, and
shoulders.
5. Peter said, “Why don’t
102
Seeing Things His Own Way
Grade 6/ Unit 4
hike until lunchtime?”
is hurting her
take a short rest.”
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
3. Peter said, “Is it okay if
Grammar
Subject Pronouns:
Learn the Skill
Name
• A subject pronoun is used as the subject of a sentence.
• Use a subject pronoun when the pronoun is part of a compound
subject.
• I, you, he, she, it, we, and they are subject pronouns.
Choose the correct pronoun in parentheses to complete each
sentence. Write it on the line provided.
are going to learn how to scuba dive.
1. Janis and (I, me)
2. (She, Her)
has already tried on her diving mask.
jumped into the
3. All of the other divers and (she, her)
water.
were totally fearless.
4. (They, Them)
5. But (I, me)
was hesitating.
Read each sentence and put brackets [ ] around any incorrect
subject pronoun. Rewrite each sentence correctly on the line
provided. If the pronoun is correct, write Correct instead of the
sentence.
6. said to me, “Rosie, just get your feet wet!”
7. all laughed at me.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. Janis said, “You and will go into the water together.”
9. and our teacher took me by the hands.
10. We all jumped into the water together.
At Home: Have the student write three sentences using
subject pronouns.
Dive! •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
103
Grammar
Object Pronouns:
Practice
Name
• An object pronoun is used as the object of a verb or as the
object of a preposition, such as for, at, with, or to.
• Use an object pronoun when the pronoun is part of a
compound object.
• Me, you, him, her, it, us, and them are object pronouns.
Put brackets [ ] around each incorrect object pronoun. Write the
correct object pronoun on the line.
1. Janis tried not to laugh at I.
2. The diving teacher handed the flippers to she.
3. Raul said, “Please bring these flippers to they.”
4. Will Janis come into the water with Raul and I?
5. Between you and I, scuba diving is a little scary.
6. I finally learned how to dive, and it brought I great happiness.
Put brackets around the object pronoun in parentheses that
correctly completes each sentence.
7. The teacher cried out, “Jump!” to Janis and (I, me).
8. I looked at the deep water and tried not to think about (it, I).
9. Janis asked (they, them) to wait a moment longer for me.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. She asked, “Won’t you come diving with (we, us)?”
104 Dive! •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
At Home: Have the student write two more sentences,
continuing the story.
Grammar
Mechanics:
Proper Use of Subject
and Object Pronouns
Name
• A subject pronoun is used as the subject of a sentence. Use
a subject pronoun when the pronoun is part of a compound
subject. I, you, he, she, it, we, and they are subject pronouns.
• An object pronoun is used as the object of a verb or as the
object of a preposition, such as for, at, with, or to. Use an
object pronoun when the pronoun is part of a compound object.
Me, you, him, her, it, us, and them are object pronouns.
• Always write the pronoun I with a capital letter. Use I or me last
when talking about yourself and another person.
Proofread each sentence. Then rewrite the sentence using the
correct subject or object pronoun.
1. Do you think them will enjoy a day at the beach?
2. I and Kasey want to go surfing.
3. Kasey waxed the boards for he and Sam.
4. Them shouted, “Don’t forget to put on sunscreen!”
5. “Why can’t you take I, too?” asked Janis.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
6. The wind was so strong, they created waves that were ten feet high.
At Home: Have the student write a dialogue between two
surfers getting ready to surf.
Dive! •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
105
Grammar
Proofreading:
Subject and
Object Pronouns
Name
• A subject pronoun is used as the subject of a sentence. Use
a subject pronoun when the pronoun is part of a compound
subject. I, you, he, she, it, we, and they are subject pronouns.
• An object pronoun is used as the object of a verb or as the
object of a preposition, such as for, at, with, or to. Use an
object pronoun when the pronoun is part of a compound object.
Me, you, him, her, it, us, and them are object pronouns.
Proofread and rewrite the scientific observation
using the correct subject and object pronoun.
Correct capitalization and punctuation.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
This was my first time SCUBA diving. i took
several weeks of classes at the YMCA to get
certified. I and my instructor spent hours in the
pool, and i was excited as i strapped on my gear
and tipped into the water. The first animal me
saw was a moray eel! Me had been warned about eels, which like to stay in
shallow water and hide under rocks. Him was beautifully colored and at least
three feet long. me and my instructor truly enjoyed seeing this incredible
animal up close.
106 Dive! •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
At Home: Have the student write an imaginary observation
of something he or she would like to see up close while
scuba diving.
Grammar
Name
Test: Pronouns
Read the first sentence of each set. One of the four sentences that
follow correctly replaces the underlined subject with a subject
pronoun. Circle the letter of the correct sentence.
1. Janis and Raul learned to scuba dive last summer.
a. Them learned to scuba dive last summer.
b. They learned to scuba dive last summer.
c. Raul learned to scuba dive last summer.
d. I learned to scuba dive last summer.
2. Raul was the first to be certified.
a. Her was the first to be certified.
b. They was the first to be certified.
c. He was the first to be certified.
d. Him was the first to be certified.
3. My family and I will take a trip to the Gulf of Mexico next summer.
a. Them will take a trip to the Gulf of Mexico next summer.
b. They will take a trip to the Gulf of Mexico next summer.
c. Me and my family will take a trip to the Gulf of Mexico next summer.
d. We will take a trip to the Gulf of Mexico next summer.
Read the first sentence of each set. One of the four sentences that
follows correctly replaces the underlined object with an object
pronoun. Circle the letter of the correct sentence.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. Raul warned Janis and me not to swim out too far.
a. Raul warned Janis and I not to swim out too far.
b. Raul warned us not to swim out too far.
c. Raul warned they not to swim out too far.
d. Raul warned them not to swim out too far.
5. He showed Paul and Sam how to use their flippers.
a. He showed them how to use their flippers.
b. He showed they how to use their flippers.
c. He showed we how to use their flippers.
d. He showed him how to use their flippers.
6. Janis said she and Raul had decided to come back every year.
a. I
c. them
b. us
d. they
Dive! •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
107
Grammar
Review:
Subject and
Object Pronouns
Name
• A subject pronoun is used as the subject of a sentence. Use
a subject pronoun when the pronoun is part of a compound
subject. I, you, he, she, it, we, and they are subject pronouns.
• An object pronoun is used as the object of a verb or as the
object of a preposition, such as for, at, with, or to. Use an
object pronoun when the pronoun is part of a compound object.
Me, you, him, her, it, us, and them are object pronouns.
Mechanics
• Always write the pronoun I with a capital letter.
• Use I or me last when talking about yourself and another person.
Read each sentence aloud. Choose the subject or object pronoun
in parentheses that correctly completes each sentence. Rewrite the
sentence correctly on the line provided.
1. (Her, She) and my sister wished they could go snorkeling.
2. Seeing some colorful fish would be a treat for (they, them).
3. “Why can’t you take your sister with (you, they)?” asked Mother.
5. “I’m sure you can squeeze (she, her) in,” replied Mother.
6. “As long as (us, we) can all get along!” I exclaimed.
108 Dive! •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. “But (us, we) don’t have room in the car,” I answered.
Grammar
Name
Possessive Pronouns
• A possessive pronoun takes the place of a possessive noun.
It shows who or what owns something.
• Some possessive pronouns are used before nouns (my, you,
his, her, its, our, your, their.)
Read each sentence. Write the possessive pronoun on the line.
1. Let me tell you about my summer of 2004.
2. That was the summer that four hurricanes swept through our state of
Florida.
3. Many people lost their electricity for weeks.
4. Mr. Sanchez saw the roof of his house blow off.
5. Mrs. Sanchez watched as a pine tree fell on her car.
6. Our eyes were glued to the weather channel.
7. We watched each huge, swirling storm make its way closer to town.
8. Father said, “Do you have batteries for your radio?”
9. He asked our neighbors also.
10. They did not have any for their radio, so we gave them some.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
11. You can borrow my radio, but please return it.
12. Do you have a special place to set up your radio?
At Home: Have the student make a list of five possessive
nouns.
Saving Grace •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
109
Grammar
Locating Possessive
Pronouns
Name
• Some possessive pronouns can stand alone (mine, yours, his,
hers, its, ours, yours, theirs.)
• Do not confuse the pronouns its, your, their, and theirs with the
contractions it’s, you’re, they’re, and there’s.
Find the possessive pronoun in each of the following sentences.
Write it on the line.
1. The patio chairs that blew into the neighbors’ yard are not ours.
2. Mr. Sanchez looked at them, but they were not his.
3. The red bicycle, however, is mine.
4. The Laninghams finally identified the patio chairs as theirs.
5. Mrs. York said that the flower pot was hers.
Circle the pronoun in parentheses that correctly completes each
sentence.
6. Is the bicycle (you’res, yours)?
7. (It’s, Its) handlebars are totally rusted from the rain.
8. The car that the tree fell on is (theirs, there’s).
9. (My, Mine) is the gray car in the driveway.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. Two of (it’s, its) tires are flat.
11. Is the battery pack (you’res, yours)?
12. I believe it is (theirs, there’s).
110 Saving Grace •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
At Home: Have the student choose four of the possessive
pronouns above and write sentences with them.
Grammar
Mechanics: Reviewing
Quotation Marks
Name
• Use quotation marks before and after the words of a direct quotation.
• Use a comma before a quotation when the speaker’s name comes first.
• Use a comma, a question mark, or an exclamation point to end the
quotation when the speaker’s name comes last.
Rewrite each sentence using the correct punctuation.
1. Listen to the wind cried Pablo
2. Marissa asked Do you think we will lose our power
3. I hope not said Mother
4. We have peanut butter, don’t we asked Pablo
5. Mother said We have cans of tuna fish, too
6. But we have only an electric can opener cried Pablo
7. He said If we lose our electricity, we won’t be able to open any cans
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. Don’t worry said Mother
9. There is a can opener in the bottom drawer she said
10. I’ll make sure it works said Pablo
At Home: Have the student write a dialogue he or she might
have with a friend during a rain- or snowstorm.
Saving Grace •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
111
Grammar
Proofreading:
Possessive Pronouns
Name
• A possessive pronoun takes the place of a possessive noun.
It shows who or what owns something.
• Some possessive pronouns are used before nouns
(my, you, his, her, its, our, your, their).
Correct any errors in the use of possessive pronouns, contractions,
punctuation, or capitalization in the fictional narrative below. Then rewrite
the narrative.
“How can I help?”
This was the only thought on young Pablo’s mind after the hurricane as
he looked at the fallen trees toppled power lines and homes without roofs in
there town. “Is that bicycle you’res asked Mr. Sanchez.
Pablo said “Yes, its mine.”
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
“Then jump on it’s seat and ride to the community center. you can
help make ten thousand ham and cheese sandwiches for folks who were
evacuated.
112 Saving Grace •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
At Home: Have the student write a fictional narrative about
a young boy or girl who helps after a storm.
Grammar
Name
Test: Pronouns
Choose the correct possessive pronoun or contraction in
parentheses. Then write the sentence correctly on the line.
1. “Wash (you’re, your) hands before you start making sandwiches,” said Mrs.
Chu.
2. Pablo and (he, his) partner put mustard on the bread.
3. “Do you have (my, mine) extra knife?” asked Mrs. Chu.
4. “I thought it was (you’res, yours),” said Pablo.
5. “(Its, It’s) now time to start putting on the cheese,” said Mrs. Chu.
6. “Where should we put (our, ours) sandwiches when we’re done?” asked
Pablo.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
7. The children reacted to (their, they’re) news with enthusiasm.
8. I don’t want to eat the sandwich if (it’s, its) yours.
Saving Grace •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
113
Grammar
More Practice:
Possessive Pronouns
Name
• A possessive pronoun takes the place of a possessive noun.
It shows who or what owns something.
• Some possessive pronouns are used before nouns
(my, you, his, her, its, our, your, their).
Mechanics
• Some possessive pronouns can stand alone
(mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, yours, theirs).
• Do not confuse the pronouns its, your, their, and theirs with the
contractions it’s, you’re, they’re, and there’s.
• An apostrophe take the place of letters left out of a contraction.
Possessive pronouns do not have apostrophes.
Read the sentences. Choose the possessive pronoun in
parentheses that correctly completes each sentence. Then rewrite
the sentence on the line provided.
2. The town he worked in was (ours, you’res).
3. They were amazed at the storm and (its, it’s) power.
4. When the helpers finish, the satisfaction will be (there’s, theirs).
114 Saving Grace •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
1. (My, Mine) cousin Pablo helped out after the hurricane.
At Home: Ask the student to write two sentences in which
he or she use two of the possessive pronouns above.
Grammar
Indefinite Pronouns
and Singular Verbs
Name
• An indefinite pronoun does not refer to a particular person,
place, or thing.
• Use a singular verb with a singular indefinite pronoun, such
as anybody, anyone, anything, each, everybody, everyone,
everything, nobody, nothing, somebody, someone, or something.
Read each sentence. Choose the verb in parentheses that correctly
completes the sentence and write it on the line provided.
1. Everybody (is, are) hoping to attend the bicycle race today.
2. Each of the riders (is, are) ready.
3. Everything (need, needs) to be cleaned up on the racing track.
4. Somebody (deliver, delivers) water to the racers as they ride.
5. If anyone (ask, asks), I am rooting for my sister, Samantha.
Change the singular or plural verb in each sentence so that it
agrees with the indefinite pronoun. Then rewrite the sentence.
6. Somebody must helps me set up the beverage cart.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
7. Everyone agree that it is a perfect day for cycling.
8. No one are more excited than I about the race.
9. Nothing seem impossible today.
10. Everybody wait for the race to begin.
At Home: Have the student find and underline indefinite
pronouns in a newspaper or magazine article.
Major Taylor •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
115
Grammar
Indefinite Pronouns
and Plural Verbs
Name
• Use a plural verb with a plural indefinite pronoun, such as both,
few, many, others, or several.
Read each sentence. Choose the verb in parentheses that correctly
completes the sentence and write it on the line provided.
1. Many of us (enjoys, enjoy) cycling.
2. A few (rides, ride) every morning.
3. Both of them (wishes, wish) to win the cycling tournament.
4. Several of the riders (trains, train) with a coach.
5. Others (likes, like) to train on their own.
Circle the indefinite pronoun. Write S if the indefinite pronoun is
singular. Write P if the indefinite pronoun is plural.
6. A few of the riders wear special riding gloves.
7. Others have special riding helmets.
8. Somebody is here from the newspaper to cover the story.
9. The reporter said there was something exciting about every race.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. Many cannot get seats and are standing on the grass.
116 Major Taylor •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
At Home: Have the student choose five of the indefinite
pronouns above and write sentences using them.
Grammar
Mechanics:
Using Hyphens
Name
• Use a hyphen to show the division of a word at the end of a
line. Divide the word between syllables.
• Use a hyphen in numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine
and in some other compound words.
Rewrite each word, using hyphens between syllables. Check your
work in a dictionary, if necessary.
1. basement
9. police
2. toward
10. English
3. vacation
11. carbon
4. happening
12. homemade
5. pacific
13. loyalty
6. fanciful
14. innocence
7. margarine
15. Titanic
8. cabin
Use hyphens to write each number as words.
16. #99
17. #58
18. #35
19. #89
20. #76
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
21. #39
22. #22
23. #51
24. #68
At Home: Have the student write six lines of a newspaper
story about a bicycle race. Have him or her hyphenate a
word at the end of each line.
Major Taylor •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
117
Grammar
Proofreading: Indefinite
Pronouns / Singular
and Plural Verbs
Name
• An indefinite pronoun does not refer to a particular person,
place, or thing.
• Use a singular verb with a singular indefinite pronoun, such
as anybody, anyone, anything, each, everybody, everyone,
everything, nobody, nothing, somebody, someone, or something.
• Use a plural verb with a plural indefinite pronoun, such as both,
few, many, others, or several.
Proofread this news article. Then rewrite the article using the correct
singular or plural verb. Correct any mistakes in punctuation.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Samantha Higgins, a twelve-year-old sixth grader from Memphis,
Tennessee won the 30K Cycling Championship today in this city. Many
fans believes that Samantha who completed the race in record time had
an advantage with her clipless pedals. Clipless pedals locks into a cleat in
the sole of a special cycling shoe. When asked what other tips she have for
riders, Samantha said “Everybody must checks cadence. Few winning riders
ignores maintenance. Everyone clean, lube and check the bike! Nobody ride
without a helmet. Ever.”
118 Major Taylor •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
At Home: Have the student write a fictional news article
about how he or she won a race. Use at least three indefinite
pronouns.
Grammar
Name
Test: Pronouns
Read the first sentence of each set. One of the four sentences that
follows corrects the agreement between an indefinite pronoun and
its verb. Circle the letter of the correct sentence.
1. Each of the girls prefer this bike.
a. Change Each to Few.
b. Change Each to Every.
c. Change Each to One.
d. Change prefer to preferring.
2. Somebody like to ride each morning at dawn.
a. Change Somebody to Everyone.
b. Change Somebody to Each.
c. Change Somebody to Many.
d. Change Somebody to Nobody.
3. Everything about the race reminds cyclists that someone want to win.
a. Change reminds to remind.
b. Change want to wants.
c. Change someone to nobody.
d. Change someone to no one.
Circle the letter that best answers each of the following questions.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. Which of the following statements about indefinite pronouns is true?
a. Indefinite pronouns, such as several, use a singular verb.
b. Indefinite pronouns take the place of certain people, places, or things.
c. Indefinite pronouns, such as everyone, use a plural verb.
d. Indefinite pronouns do not refer to a particular person, place, or thing.
5. Which of the following sentences contains an indefinite pronoun?
a. My bicycle has a flat tire.
b. Several have gone flat recently.
c. The broken bike is his.
d. She won the race by a slim margin.
6. Which of the following sentences uses an indefinite pronoun?
a. Most kids have the older model of the bike.
b. Few parents disagree that reflectors are necessary.
c. Everyone likes to ride around the park.
d. Several people think that blue is the best color for a bike.
Major Taylor •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
119
Grammar
Review: More
Indefinite Pronouns
Name
• An indefinite pronoun does not refer to a particular person, place,
or thing.
• Use a singular verb with a singular indefinite pronoun, such as
anybody, anyone, anything, each, everybody, everyone, everything,
nobody, nothing, somebody, someone, or something.
• Use a plural verb with a plural indefinite pronoun, such as both, few,
many, others, or several.
The writer of this news article did not proofread for mistakes. Read
the article and then rewrite the article correcting any mistakes
made with indefinite pronouns, punctuation, or capitalization.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
DATELINE MEMPHIS—Samantha Higgins returned to her home city
of memphis today wearing the gold medal for winning the Middle Grades
30K Cycling Championship in Atlanta last Saturday anybody who know
Samantha know that she puts her all into everything she does many believes
she will continue to win at cycling events around the country. each of her
teammates feel that Samantha deserved to win because of her commitment
to the sport. Congratulations, Sam! everyone wish you well?
120 Major Taylor •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
Grammar
Relative and
Interrogative Pronouns
Name
• Relative pronouns are used to link a clause to another noun or
pronoun.
• Interrogative pronouns ask a question when an important noun
in a sentence is not known.
• Who, whom, whose, and which can be either interrogative or
relative pronouns. That is a relative pronoun, and what is an
interrogative pronoun.
Turn the following statements into questions using the interrogative
pronoun in parentheses. Write the question on the line provided.
1. She digs carefully each day at the site. (who)
2. Making a piece of ceramic from the past is easy. (what)
3. The archeologists are going to dig in China. (where)
4. You are interested in this magazine or that magazine. (which)
5. These tools can be used to build the wall. (what)
Choose the correct relative pronoun to complete each sentence.
Write the corrected sentence on the line provided.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
6. Bill is the scientist (who, whom) you met last June.
7. The builders are people (whose, which) work we depend on.
8. This is the book (what, that) I told you about.
At Home: Have the student draw an arrow from the subject
pronoun to the verb with which it agrees.
A Single Shard •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
121
Grammar
Indefinite Pronouns
and Verbs
Name
• Verbs must also agree with indefinite pronouns.
Rewrite each sentence, choosing the verb in parentheses that
agrees with the indefinite pronoun.
1. Everything (is, are) incredibly interesting at an archaeological dig.
2. No one (deny, denies) that the work is extremely difficult.
3. Both of the archaeologists (work, works) at a major university.
4. A few of the volunteers (is, are) students at the school.
5. Nobody (make, makes) much money as a volunteer on a dig.
6. Everyone (know, knows) that the pleasure is in the possibility of discovery.
8. (Do, Does) anybody want to volunteer for a dig in Arizona?
9. Many (have, has) already signed up.
10. Several (want, wants) to sign up for the dig in Oregon.
122 A Single Shard •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
At Home: Have the student underline each indefinite
pronoun above and label whether each is singular or plural.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
7. Others (claim, claims) that they most enjoy the countries they get to visit.
Grammar
Mechanics:
Correct Usage of
Confusing Words
Name
• Pay careful attention to the spelling of homophones (words that
sound alike) in your writing.
• Some common homophones and their correct usage are shown
in the chart below.
Word
there
their
they’re
to
two
too
who’s
whose
your
you’re
it’s
its
our
hour
here
hear
Correct Usage
There is a lecture at noon today.
Their class is also at noon.
They’re going to attend class at noon.
Are you going to class today?
Two students were absent.
Alicia was absent, too.
Who’s coming to lunch with me?
Whose bike is outside the classroom?
Your bike is next to mine.
You’re going to be late for class.
It’s going to be a sunny day.
The school is proud of its teachers.
Our teacher is Mrs. Brookline.
Class begins one hour from now.
Here is your textbook for class.
I would like to hear this lecture.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Read the sentence below. Choose the word in parentheses that
correctly completes each sentence. Rewrite the sentence on the
line provided.
1. (There, Their, They’re) is going to be a program on TV about a dig in
England.
2. (Whose, Who’s) going to narrate the program?
At Home: Ask the student to choose three homophones
from the list above and write sentences for each.
A Single Shard •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
123
Grammar
Proofreading:
Pronouns
and Verbs
Name
• A verb must agree with its subject pronoun.
Pronouns
Verbs
He, she it
We, you, they
I
walks, is, was, has
walk, are, were, have
walk, am, was, have
• Verbs must also agree with indefinite pronouns.
• Use a singular verb with a singular indefinite pronoun.
• Use a plural verb with a plural indefinite pronoun.
Proofread this magazine article. Then rewrite the article making sure
verbs agree with subject nouns and pronouns. Correct any mistakes in
punctuation.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
During the third century, B.C.E., people who lived in the lands between
the Tigris and Euphrates rivers founding the first cities. These people invents
writing. They also creates architecture develops irrigation writes poetry and
makes laws. They was an amazing civilization. Can anybody sees the art of
the Sumerians and not marvel? Several works of art is on display this month
at our local history museum. Everyone should visits.
124 A Single Shard •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
At Home: Invite the student to write a magazine article
announcing a new exhibit, using several subject and
indefinite pronouns.
Grammar
Name
Test: Pronouns
Write the verb in parentheses that correctly completes each
sentence.
1. Everyone (has, have) to wear a hard hat at the archaeological site.
2. We (prefer, prefers) to work first thing in the morning.
3. She and Polly (has, have) studied the art of ancient Greece.
4. She (study, studies) in the evenings at the library.
5. Many (has, have) seen the exhibit at the history museum.
Write the pronoun in parentheses that correctly completes each
sentence.
6. (Who, What) loves to study ancient Greece more than Polly?
7. Do (you, he) know the new professor of archaeology?
8. (Each, Few) know that she is the youngest professor in the school.
9. (We, He) hopes to study in Mexico this summer.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. Among the choices (this, these) are the fastest computers to do research.
A Single Shard •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
125
Grammar
Review: Pronouns
and Verbs
Name
• A verb must agree with its subject pronoun.
Pronouns
Verbs
He, she it
We, you, they
I
walks, is, was, has
walk, are, were, have
walk, am, was, have
1. Everyone want to study in Mexico this summer.
2. I hopes that I will be able to travel there.
3. She take all her language classes in the afternoon.
4. Nothing bother her more than getting up too early.
126 A Single Shard •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Change the verb in the following sentences so that it agrees with
the subject pronoun. Write your response on the line provided.
Grammar
Name
Unit Review
Pronouns
Read the passage. Circle the letter of the word that belongs in each
space.
Polly said, “Shameka and I
(1)
for the magazine, Dig It! It is very
popular. I know that you
(2)
seen other kids reading it.” Polly paused.
Then she added, “Many pick up
(3)
copies at the school newsstand.”
1. A.
B.
C.
D.
write
writes
written
writing
2. A.
B.
C.
D.
has
have
hasn’t
had
3. A.
B.
C.
D.
they’re
their
there
them
Shameka told
(4)
that she had finished writing her article for the
magazine. She asked, “If you and Lori have time, will you proofread
(5)
for me?” She looked worried. “Of course,” I said. “Do you want us to do it
today after school?”
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. A.
B.
C.
D.
Lori and me
me and Lori
Lori and I
I and Lori
5. F. her
G. him
H. it
J. them
At Home: Ask the student to choose three indefinite
pronouns and use them in sentences.
Unit Review •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
127
Grammar
Name
Unit Review
Read the sentences below. What is the antecedent for each
underlined pronoun? Circle the letter of your answer.
Lori needed to talk to Peter, so she called him on the phone. She and Polly
(1)
wanted to know if he would drive them to the lecture at the high school the next
(2)
evening. Peter agreed and said they could ride with him to the lecture.
(3)
1. A.
B.
C.
D.
Lori
needed
so
phone
2. A.
B.
C.
D.
if
Lori and Polly
wanted
lecture
3. A.
B.
C.
D.
agreed
Peter
with
they
Read the sentences below. What form of pronoun is each
underlined word?
4. A.
B.
C.
D.
Subject pronoun
Indefinite pronoun
Possessive pronoun
Object pronoun
5. A.
B.
C.
D.
Indefinite pronoun
Object pronoun
Subject pronoun
Possessive pronoun
128 Unit Review •
Grade 6/ Unit 4
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
I cannot find my textbook. I will ask Polly if I may use hers.
(4)
(5)
At Home: Ask the student to write three sentences using
pronouns of his or her choice.
Grammar
Name
Adjectives
• An adjective is a word that modifies, or describes, a noun or
pronoun and tells what kind, how many, or which one.
• A predicate adjective follows a linking verb and describes the
subject.
Underline each adjective in the following sentences. (Some
sentences have more than one adjective.)
1. Francisco had a difficult time writing English.
2. His teacher had a round face, a small nose, and blue eyes.
3. Francisco worked hard on his homework assignments.
4. He memorized long poems that he kept in his shirt pocket.
5. Francisco was a slow reader.
6. The apartment had four rooms with painted walls.
7. The dusty room was filled with ceramic statues.
Underline each predicate adjective in the following sentences.
(Some sentences have more than one predicate adjective.)
8. The novel, The Grapes of Wrath, seemed long and difficult to Francisco.
9. Miss Bell looked upset.
10. Francisco was nervous.
11. Miss Bell’s smile seemed friendly.
12. Like Francisco’s family, the Joad family was poor.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
13. To Mr. Bell, the rooms appeared old and uninhabited.
14. The first edition of the novel was expensive.
At Home: Together, write three sentences about a difficult
school assignment using three adjectives or predicate
adjectives.
Breaking Through •
Grade 6/Unit 5
129
Grammar
Demonstrative
Adjectives
Name
• A demonstrative adjective points out something and tells
which one or which ones.
• Use this and that with singular nouns. Use these and those with
plural nouns.
• This and these refer to nouns that are nearby; that and those
refer to nouns that are farther away.
Study the demonstrative adjectives in parentheses. Write the
demonstrative adjective that correctly completes each sentence on
the line provided.
essay is mine. (These, This)
1.
2. The students must read
(these, this)
3.
book is about a traveling family. (These, That)
4. Will you hand me
5.
books for English class.
theater tickets? (those, that)
essay got the highest grade in the class. (This, Those)
Complete each sentence with an appropriate demonstrative adjective.
book on the highest shelf.
6. Please get me
7.
oranges are the ones Juni likes best.
8.
novel is the one that we will be reading.
9.
oranges are the sweetest in the store.
dress is what I want to wear tonight.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10.
130 Breaking Through •
Grade 6/Unit 5
At Home: Have the student write a sentence for each
demonstrative adjective used above.
Grammar
Mechanics: Capitalizing
Proper Nouns and
Proper Adjectives
Name
• A proper adjective is formed from a proper noun.
• A proper noun begins with a capital letter.
• A proper adjective begins with a capital letter.
Rewrite each sentence below on the line provided, using capitals
for any proper nouns.
1. beatrix potter wrote the tale of peter rabbit.
2. henry wadsworth longfellow wrote the poem “the village blacksmith.”
3. robert louis stevenson wrote the poem “my shadow.”
On the line provided, write the proper adjective in each sentence.
(Some sentences have more than one proper adjective.)
4. She enjoy novels by Italian authors.
5. It took a Herculean effort to finish that novel.
6. Italy is a country located on the Mediterranean coast.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
7. Many students in Italy study the English language.
8. Many American museums contain works of art by Italian painters.
9. A popular Renaissance painter from Italy is Michelangelo.
10. His paintings and sculptures are found in many European museums.
At Home: Have the student underline the words and
phrases that helped him or her figure out each word’s meaning.
Breaking Through •
Grade 6/Unit 5
131
Grammar
Proofreading:
Adjectives
Name
• An adjective is a word that modifies, or describes, a noun or pronoun
and tells what kind, how many, or which one.
• A predicate adjective follows a linking verb and describes the subject.
• A demonstrative adjective points out something and tells which
one or which ones.
• A proper adjective is formed from a proper noun. Begin a
proper adjective with a capital letter.
Proofread this speech. Then rewrite the speech, correcting any errors
in the use of predicate, demonstrative, or proper adjectives. Correct any
mistakes in the use of homophones, capitalization, or punctuation.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
This mourning we honor Mr. Tyburn, whose retiring after forty years of
teaching english at our middle school. I was fortunate to have this wonderful
teacher last year in sixth grade. His guidance was crucial in encouraging
me to read more and right more. He opened up the world of american
literature to me. Because of Mr. Tyburn, I am planning on a career as a
journalist. My mentor Mr. Tyburn arranged for me to work as an intern
at our local newspaper. Thank you Mr. Tyburn for all your hard work and
encouragement.
132 Breaking Through •
Grade 6/Unit 5
At Home: Invite the student to write a speech about a
mentor in his or her life. Remind the student to make sure to
use adjectives correctly.
Grammar
Name
Test: Adjectives
Decide which word listed after each sentence is an adjective. Circle
the letter of your answer.
1. Miss Bell’s gentle smile reminded Francisco of his mother.
a. reminded
b. gentle
c. smile
d. mother
2. This is the book Miss Bell wants us to read.
a. book
b. wants
c. read
d. This
3. Books of English literature are in this box.
a. English
b. literature
c. box
d. in
4. I want to take these books out of the library.
a. want
b. these
c. take
d. library
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
5. The library books are on the shelf.
a. shelf
b. are
c. library
d. books
6. Nancy and her friend enjoy reading about foreign lands.
a. about
b. friend
c. foreign
d. his
Breaking Through •
Grade 6/Unit 5
133
Grammar
Review: Working
with Adjectives
Name
• An adjective is a word that modifies, or describes, a noun or
pronoun and tells what kind, how many, or which one.
• A predicate adjective follows a linking verb and describes the
subject.
• A demonstrative adjective points out something and tells
which one or which ones.
• A proper adjective is formed from a proper noun. Begin a
proper adjective with a capital letter.
Put brackets [ ] around the adjectives in the following sentences. Identify
each adjective as adjective, predicate adjective, demonstrative adjective,
or proper adjective.
1. Ramon was eager to read the book.
2. These books belong to me.
3. The book contains Spanish poetry.
4. The librarian is wearing a blue sweater.
5. The book was hidden behind the table.
7. Ramon bought that book at the bazaar.
8. I will not sell you any of the old books.
134 Breaking Through •
Grade 6/Unit 5
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
6. The book has a tattered cover.
Grammar
Articles: Learn
the Skill
Name
•
•
•
•
The words a, an, and the are special adjectives called articles.
Use a and an with singular nouns.
Use a if the next word starts with a consonant sound.
Use an if the next word starts with a vowel sound.
Study the pair of articles in each sentence. Underline the article that
correctly completes the sentence.
1. Matthew and Andrew have (a, an) problem.
2. (A, The) time in the afternoon goes by too quickly.
3. What (a, an) annoying situation!
4. (The, A) homework never seemed to get done.
5. But (the, a) boys always had time to play games.
6. Baby robins open their mouths wide for (a, an) meal of worms.
7. In the summer months, (a, the) sun rises high in the sky.
Complete each sentence with the correct article: a, an, or the.
(More than one answer may be correct.)
8. Matthew and Andrew tried to figure out
problem.
9. They finally came up with
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. Matthew said, “Maybe we could do
we play games.”
solution to the
idea.
homework before
11. Andrew wasn’t sure he liked
solution.
12. Matthew said, “I think this is
thinking!”
case of some smart
13. Sometimes you can see
14. Matthew goes to
At Home: Together, write three sentences about what
happens to Matthew and Andrew.
rainbow in the sky after it rains.
chess class on Tuesday.
Ta-Na-E-Ka •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
135
Grammar
Articles: Learn
and Practice
Name
• The words a, an, and the are special adjectives called articles.
• Use a and an with singular nouns. Use a if the next word starts
with a consonant sound.
• Use an if the next word starts with a vowel sound.
• Use the with singular nouns that name a particular person,
place, or thing. Use the before all plural nouns.
Change the article in parentheses so that it correctly completes
each sentence. Then rewrite the sentence on the line provided.
1. Matt’s friends called him (an) hero.
2. They thought it was (a) unusual situation.
3. “That’s (a) incredibly smart idea,” said Randi.
4. On (a) first Monday of each month, all the students studied together.
5. Studying together with others means taking (a) time to listen and help.
7. Tom received (a) acceptance letter from the local college.
8. (A) earth’s surface is seven parts water and three parts land.
136 Ta-Na-E-Ka •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
At Home: Ask the student to write two more sentences
using articles.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
6. Matt has (a) oak tree in his front yard.
Grammar
Mechanics:
Using Colons
and Semicolons
Name
• Use a colon to separate the hour and the minute in the time of
day.
• Use a colon to introduce a list of items that ends a sentence.
• Use a colon after the greeting of a business letter.
• If there is no conjunction in a compound sentence, use a
semicolon.
The writer of this letter didn’t check for mistakes. Proofread the
letter. Correct any colon, semicolon, or comma errors you find.
100 Decatur Avenue
North Platte NE 69101
April 13 2006
Dear Ms. Costello
In an effort to streamline the hiring of new clerks for our library I tracked
the number of library users from 800 A.M. on April 10 through 630 P.M.
on April 12. My research indicates that we will need to hire at least two
additional library clerks three might be advised. I have also ordered the
following supplies new software for the computers refills for the laminating
machines and paper for the copier.
I look forward to hearing your decision on hiring.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Sincerely
Will O’Brien
At Home: Have the student write a letter listing tasks done by
time. Have him or her use at least two colons and one semicolon
in the letter.
Ta-Na-E-Ka •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
137
Grammar
Proofreading:
Articles
Name
•
•
•
•
•
The words a, an, and the are special adjectives called articles.
Use a and an with singular nouns.
Use a if the next word starts with a consonant sound.
Use an if the next word starts with a vowel sound.
Use the with singular nouns that name a particular person,
place, or thing.
• Use the before all plural nouns.
The writer of this compare/contrast essay
did not proofread for mistakes. Put
brackets [ ] around any incorrect use
of articles. Add the correct punctuation
and capitalization.
Lily and Rose are an set of identical twins. But they are not identical in
every way. Lily is an dreamer always late and often unprepared. She sleeps
late every day and usually misses an school bus. Lily gets to class late often
without an homework assignment.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Rose however likes to be on time. She resets her alarm clock each night.
Before bed, which is at 900 P.M., Rose lays out a outfit and packs her
backpack with a books and homework she’ll need a next day. Rose is usually
calm and happy Lily tends to be anxious and scattered.
138 Ta-Na-E-Ka •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
At Home: Have the student write an essay about a pair of twins.
Remind him or her to use articles and punctuation correctly.
Grammar
Name
Test: Articles
Put brackets [ ] around the correct article in the following sentences.
1. (A, An) study group formed at the middle school early last fall.
2. Keeping five sixth-grade students quiet is not (a, an) easy job.
3. (The, A) group meets every Monday at three o’clock.
4. (A, An) astonished librarian agreed to monitor their progress.
5. After a long day at school, (a, the) students still have a lot of energy.
6. They work on (a, an) different subject each week.
7. Last Monday, they agreed to work with (an, the) history textbook.
8. Some students wanted to use (the, an) computers available in the library.
9. There was (a, an) new computer sitting right on a nearby table.
10. (A, An) eager student used the computer to do his research on the
Internet.
11. (A, The) more muscles are used, the larger and stronger they become.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
12. When you cut (a, an) onion, it can make your eyes burn and water.
Ta-Na-E-Ka •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
139
Grammar
Review: Articles
and Colons
Name
• The words a, an, and the are special adjectives called articles.
• Use a and an with singular nouns. Use a if the next word starts
with a consonant sound.
• Use an if the next word starts with a vowel sound.
• Use the with singular nouns that name a particular person,
place, or thing. Use the before all plural nouns.
Mechanics
• Use a colon to separate the hour and the minute in the time of
day.
• Use a colon to introduce a list of items that ends a sentence.
• Use a colon after the greeting of a business letter.
• If there is no conjunction in a compound sentence, use a
semicolon.
The writer of this letter didn’t check for mistakes. As you read the
letter, correct any colon errors you find. Put brackets [ ] around
any incorrect use of articles.
100 Sherman Boulevard
Bangor, ME 04401
November 2, 2006
Thank you so much for agreeing to pick me up at a Sarasota airport.
My plane flight arrives at 817 A.M. on November 22, 2006. I am looking
forward to being a part of an great Bird Counting Day on Thanksgiving! To
prepare, I have made arrangements to have the following equipment sturdy
walking shoes, binoculars, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and an
notebook for recording numbers and types of birds.
I am looking forward to working with an team I hope to be a good counter.
Sincerely,
Lydia Tallchief
140 Ta-Na-E-Ka •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Dear Mr. Shen
Grammar
Comparative and
Superlative Adjectives:
Learn the Skill
Name
• Adjectives are words that describe nouns.
• The comparative form of an adjective compares two nouns.
• Add -er to most one-syllable and some two-syllable adjectives
to form the comparative.
Write the comparing forms of the following adjectives.
1. Bill is fast, but Morgan is
than Bill. (fast)
2. The grocery store is close, but the deli is
. (close)
3. Our cat is proud, but our dog is
4. This week is
. (proud)
than last week. (cold)
5. The upstairs bedroom is
than the downstairs living room.
(warm)
Complete each sentence with the correct comparative form of the
adjective in parentheses.
6. Alessandra wanted the (old) of the two coins for her collection.
7. Her collection is (large) than any I’ve seen.
8. She showed me one of the (new) coins in her collection.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
9. It is (shiny) than this one.
10. Alessandra wants to build her collection (fast) than her brother.
At Home: Have the student make a list of five adjectives.
Many Countries, One Currency:
141
Europe and the Euro • Grade 6/ Unit 5
Grammar
Comparative and
Superlative Adjectives:
Practice
Name
• The comparative form of an adjective compares two nouns.
• The superlative form compares more than two nouns.
• Add -er or -est to most one-syllable and some two-syllable
adjectives to form the comparative and superlative.
• For adjectives ending in e, drop the e before adding -er or -est.
• For adjectives ending in a consonant and y, change y to i and
add -er and -est.
• For one-syllable adjectives that have a single vowel before a
final consonant, double the final consonant before adding -er or
-est.
Complete each sentence with the correct comparative or superlative form
of the adjective in parentheses. On the line after the sentence, write the
correct form of another adjective that also makes sense in the sentence.
2. It was the (busy)
3. Their leader was the (happy)
4. She was also the (wise)
5. It was (hot)
6. This building is (tall)
142
Many Countries, One Currency:
Europe and the Euro • Grade 6/ Unit 5
member of the group.
group he had ever joined.
woman Theo knew.
person he had ever met.
today than it was yesterday.
than that one.
At Home: Have the student choose four of the adjectives
above and write sentences with them.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
1. Theo is the (young)
Grammar
Name
Mechanics: One Word,
Two Words,
Hyphenated Words
• Compound nouns may be written as one word (lifestyle,
leftover, homework), two separate words (home page, box
seat, paper clip) or with a hyphen (self-confidence, mother-inlaw). If you are unsure whether a compound noun is written as
one word, two words, or hyphenated, consult your dictionary.
• Use a hyphen with compound numbers from twenty-one
through ninety-nine.
• Use a hyphen with fractions used as modifiers, as in a twothirds majority.
• Use a hyphen with the prefixes ex-, self-, and all-; with the
suffix -elect.
• Use a hyphen with all prefixes before a proper noun or proper
adjective.
• Hyphenate a compound adjective when it precedes the word it
modifies: a third-floor office. Do not use a hyphen if one of the
modifiers is an adverb ending in -ly: freshly made bread.
Read each sentence. Decide if the words in parentheses should
be one, two words, or a hyphenated word. Write the word correctly
on the line provided. If the words are correct, write C on the line.
Consult your dictionary, if necessary.
1. We need to buy some (bird seed).
2. There is a (bird’s nest) in the tree.
3. This is an (allEuropean) rowing team.
4. Is the (box office) open?
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
5. This is a (newly-hatched) egg.
6. I have (thirty two) marbles.
7. Use (one half) cup of sugar in the cake.
8. She is an (allstar) basketball player.
9. You need to have more (selfcontrol).
10. This is my sister’s (boy-friend).
At Home: Have the student list two of each of the following:
one-word, two-word, and hyphenated compound words.
Many Countries, One Currency:
143
Europe and the Euro • Grade 6/ Unit 5
Grammar
Name
Proofreading:
Comparative and
Superlative Adjectives
• The comparative form of an adjective compares two nouns.
• The superlative form compares more than two nouns.
Proofread the point-of-view essay below for any errors in the use of
comparative and superlative adjectives, punctuation, or capitalization.
i have been asked to comment on the fast most economical way our
club can bring aid to hungry children. we could collect nonperishable food.
Collecting, packing, and shipping the food would be difficult, however? Who
would distribute it! How would the children receive it.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
A smartest solution I believe is to collect money. Money is easy to collect
easy to send overseas and easy for relief agencies, like the red cross, to put
to good use. With money, agencies can buy food medicine or clothing--whatever is needed. If I had to choose between sending food or sending
money money is the smartest choice.
144
Many Countries, One Currency:
Europe and the Euro • Grade 6/ Unit 5
At Home: Invite the student to write a point-of-view essay on
a topic of his or her choice.
Grammar
Name
Test: Adjectives
Choose the correct replacement for the adjective form. Circle the
letter of your answer.
1. Sari arrived (early) at the meeting than Bud.
a. earliest
b. earlier
c. earlyer
d. earlyest
2. The members had to choose the (fast) way to raise money.
a. fastiest
b. fastier
c. faster
d. fastest
3. Who was the (sleepy) member, Sari or Bud?
a. sleepyest
b. sleepiest
c. sleepier
d. sleepyer
Circle the letter of the correction that should be made to the following
sentences.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. Bud was the lazy member of the club.
a. Change member to members.
b. Change lazy to lazier.
c. Change lazy to laziest.
d. Change was to were.
5. Sari may be the angry member of the club.
a. Change angry to angriest.
b. Change the to a.
c. Change angry to angrier.
d. Change may to was.
6. Who do you think is nicest, Sari or Bud?
a. Change or to and.
b. Change nicest to nicer.
c. Change think to thinks.
d. Change is to are.
Many Countries, One Currency:
145
Europe and the Euro • Grade 6/ Unit 5
Grammar
Name
Review: Writing
Adjectives and Using
Hyphenated Words
• The comparative form of an adjective compares two nouns.
• The superlative form compares more than two nouns.
Mechanics
• Add -er or -est to most one-syllable and some two-syllable
adjectives to form the comparative and superlative. For
adjectives ending in e, drop the e before adding -er or -est. For
adjectives ending in a consonant and y, change y to i and add
-er and -est. For one-syllable adjectives that have a single
vowel before a final consonant, double the final consonant
before adding -er or -est.
• Use a hyphen with compound numbers from twenty-one through
ninety-nine; with fractions used as modifiers, as in a two-thirds
majority; with the prefixes ex-, self-, and all-; with the suffix
-elect; with all prefixes before a proper noun or proper adjective.
• Hyphenate a compound adjective when it precedes the word it
modifies: a third-floor office. Do not use a hyphen if one of the
modifiers is an adverb ending in -ly: freshly made bread.
Rewrite the sentences that describe the picture. Use
the correct comparative or superlative form of the
adjective. Make sure hyphens are used correctly.
1. Sari can count fast than Bud.
3. Sari and Bud would like some freshly-baked cookies.
4. Bud is the hungry boy Sari has ever met.
146
Many Countries, One Currency:
Europe and the Euro • Grade 6/ Unit 5
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
2. Bud has already been counting coins for one half hour.
Grammar
Comparing Using More:
Learn the Skill
Name
• For most adjectives with two or more syllables, use more to
form the comparative.
Put brackets [ ] around the word or words in parentheses that form
a correct comparative adjective.
1. Justin’s baseball card collection is (more extensive, extensiver than mine.
2. Do you find old basketball cards (difficulter, more difficult) to find than
baseball cards?
3. Mr. Smythe was (patienter, more patient) than usual when we were
looking for new cards in his shop.
4. Justin thinks a Babe Ruth card is (more expensive, expensiver) than his
parents’ car.
5. Justin’s method of categorizing cards is (more intricate, intricater) than
mine.
6. Which card shop is (nearer, more near) to my house?
7. Of the two collections, Justin’s was the (more fun, funner).
8. The shortstop on the team seems (tougher, more tough) than the catcher.
9. That game, at eighteen innings, was (intensest, more intense) than the
one I saw last month.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. Who is (more friendly, friendlier), the pitcher or the goalie?
At Home: Have the student find and underline comparative
and superlative adjectives in a newspaper or magazine article.
Honus and Me •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
147
Grammar
Using More and Most:
Learn and Practice
Name
• Never use more or most with the -er or -est form of an
adjective.
On the line provided, write the comparative or superlative adjective
that correctly completes each sentence.
1. Hannah has the (most amazing, amazingest) collection of bells.
2. She claims to choose only the (most pretty, prettiest) bells.
3. I’ve noticed that the sound of Hannah’s bells is (more pleasing,
pleasinger) than most.
4. The clear peal of each bell is (most satisfying, satisfyingest).
5. Hannah’s collection of bells is the (largest, most large) I’ve ever seen.
6. The sound of this bell is (more deep, deeper) than the sound of that one.
7. This little bell has the (sweetest, most sweet) sound of all.
9. Diana is (more eager, eagerer) than Tasha to start a bell collection.
10. Diana probably will get her first bell (more soon, sooner) than Tasha.
148 Honus and Me •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
At Home: Have the student choose five of the adjectives
above and write sentences using them.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. When we ring Hannah’s bells all at once, the house is the (most noisy,
noisiest) it’s ever been.
Grammar
Mechanics: Using
More and Most
Name
• For most adjectives with two or more syllables, use more to
form the comparative.
• For most adjectives with two or more syllables, use most to
form the superlative.
• Never use more or most with the -er or -est form of an
adjective.
The writer of the following paragraph did not check his or her use
of adjectives. Rewrite the paragraph, making sure that comparative
and superlative adjectives are used correctly.
Hannah and Natalie like to debate whose collection is the interestinger.
Hannah has the bigger collection of bells I’ve ever seen. She has at least two
hundred bells! Natalie collects the beautifulest seashells. Her seashells are
really amazing!
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Hannah and Natalie don’t know it yet, but my collection of state flags
is the incrediblest collection of all. I have collected flags from every state
except Alaska. I am eagerest to get the Alaska state flag, but it has proved to
be the difficultest to get.
At Home: Have the student underline the words and
phrases that help in figuring out each word’s meaning.
Honus and Me •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
149
Grammar
Proofreading:
Adjectives More
and Most
Name
• For most adjectives with two or more syllables, use more to
form the comparative.
• For most adjectives with two or more syllables, use most to
form the superlative.
Mechanics
• Never use more or most with the -er or -est form of an adjective.
• Each line of a poem usually begins with a capital letter.
Put brackets [ ] around any comparative or superlative adjectives.
Correct any mistakes in adjective use. Then rewrite the poems, using
correct punctuation.
three wise men of Gotham
went to sea in a bowl.
If the bowl had been stronger
my song would have been longer.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
my bells sing so sweetly,
most sweetly than yours.
my bells look so lovely,
the lovelier of all.
150 Honus and Me •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
At Home: Invite the student to write a short poem, using at
least one comparative and one superlative adjective.
Grammar
Name
Test: More and Most
Put brackets [ ] around the word or words that form a comparative
or superlative adjective. Write a C if the adjective is comparative.
Write an S if the adjective is superlative.
1. Natalie’s collection of seashells is the most stunning I’ve ever seen.
2. The lightning whelk is Natalie’s most unusual shell.
3. Natalie’s collection is larger than mine.
4. My most valuable shell is a moon snail.
5. Natalie’s horse conch is the more colorful of the two.
Choose the comparative or superlative form of the adjective in
parentheses that correctly completes the sentence. Write your
answer on the line provided.
6. The longer Natalie picked up shells, the (full)
became.
7. The (unusual)
shell Natalie found was a lace murex.
8. A kitten’s paw shell is much (small)
shell.
9. The (tiny)
zigzag scallop.
her pail
than a lion’s paw
shell of all in Natalie’s collection is the
than a banded tulip.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. A true tulip shell is much (long)
Honus and Me •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
151
Grammar
Review: More
and Most
Name
• For most adjectives with two or more syllables, use more to
form the comparative.
• For most adjectives with two or more syllables, use most to
form the superlative.
• Never use more or most with the -er or -est form of an
adjective.
Complete each sentence with the correct form of more or most.
exquisite sample of a lightning whelk
2. The angel wing is the
Florida.
3. Natalie claims that I have been the
beachcomber.
4. But I think that Jason has been
5. He managed to find the
Venus.
152 Honus and Me •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
challenging shell to find in
successful
successful than I.
unusual shell, the Sunray
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
1. Natalie has the
I’ve ever seen.
Grammar
Comparing with Good:
Introduction
Name
• The comparative form of good is better.
• The superlative form of good is best.
Rewrite each sentence, using the correct comparative or superlative
form of the adjective in parentheses.
1. Sometimes the (goodest, best) thing to do is to stand up for what
is right.
2. Juan’s father, Jacob, wanted to get a (gooder, better) job.
3. He also wanted (gooder, better) working conditions for the people on
his crew.
4. Jacob chose the (goodest, best) time to state his case.
5. He knew there was a (better, gooder) way to manage the business.
Put brackets[ ]around the comparative or superlative form of
the adjective in each sentence. In the blank, write C if it is a
comparative or S if it is a superlative adjective.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
6. Did Jacob manage to secure better working conditions?
7. He wants the best possible work environment for everyone.
8. The other workers agree that Jacob is the best speaker in their group.
9. They all want a better life.
10. Jacob made the best presentation of all.
At Home: Have the student write three sentences using
good, better, and best as adjectives.
Let It Shine •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
153
Grammar
Comparing with Bad:
Practice
Name
• The comparative form of bad is worse.
• The superlative form of bad is worst.
On the blank provided, write the correct comparative or superlative
form of the adjective in parentheses.
1. Juan decided that the food in the school cafeteria was (badder, worse)
than ever.
2. Stevi said that their food was no (worser, worse) than any other school’s
food.
3. Juan stated that it was the (baddest, worst) in the county.
4. Which is (badder, worse), eating bad food or having to pay extra for it?
5. For Juan, the (baddest, worst) thing was having no fresh food at all.
6. “This is the (worst, baddest) example of nutrition I have ever seen,”
said Juan.
7. French fries every day are a (badder, worse) choice than a baked
potato.
8. Soda is a (worse, badder) choice than fresh milk.
9. The (worst, baddest) thing, Juan decided, was that students were
10. Juan noticed that the lunches were the (baddest, worst) on Fridays.
154 Let It Shine •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
At Home: Ask the student to write four sentences using
worse and worst in each sentence.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
forming bad habits.
Grammar
Mechanics:
Using Irregular
Comparative Forms
Name
Comparing with Good
• The comparative form of good is better.
• The superlative form of good is best.
Comparing with Bad
• The comparative form of bad is worse.
• The superlative form of bad is worst
Read the sentences below. Put brackets [ ] around any incorrect
comparative or superlative adjectives. Rewrite the sentences on
the lines provided. If the sentence is correct, write C.
1. “That was the baddest lunch I have ever eaten,” said Juan.
2. “What do you suggest for a better lunch?” asked Josie.
3. “Some fresh vegetables would be a gooder start,” said Juan.
4. “Even gooder would be some whole grain bread for our sandwiches,”
he added.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
5. “The worstest thing is that the students don’t even know that the food is
not good for them!” he exclaimed.
At Home: Ask the student to choose three adjectives from
the sentences above and write sentences for each.
Let It Shine •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
155
Grammar
Proofreading:
Adjectives
Good and Bad
Name
Comparing with Good
• The comparative form of good is better.
• The superlative form of good is best.
Comparing with Bad
• The comparative form of bad is worse.
• The superlative form of bad is worst
Correct any mistakes in punctuating the following eyewitness account.
Make sure comparative and superlative adjectives are used correctly.
Then rewrite the account.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
When I entered JFK Middle School last fall I was appalled at the quality
of the school lunches. Students were offered only the baddest in terms of
healthful foods: processed foods, high in sugar, salt, and fat, and high-sugar
sodas and candy from the vending machines. I knew there was a betterer
way to eat. I formed a committee to investigate the problem and found a best
way to bring only the most freshest food to our students. My committee was
called “From Worse to Bests: How to Eat Right.” Now we have much gooder
choices in the school cafeteria.
156 Let It Shine •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
At Home: Invite the student to write an imaginary
eyewitness account of an effort to make things better in
some way at school.
Grammar
Name
Test: Adjectives
Choose the best comparative or superlative form of good. Circle
the letter of your choice.
1. Juan’s lunch was the (good) of the two.
a. better
b. goodest
c. best
d. gooder
2. The school principal chose the (good) food company of the three he studied.
a. gooder
b. better
c. best
d. bestest
3. Josie likes broccoli (good) than cauliflower.
a. bester
b. gooder
c. best
d. better
Choose the best comparative or superlative form of bad. Circle the
letter of your choice.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. For one student, lunch was the (bad) meal of the day.
a. worst
b. badder
c. baddest
d. worse
5. Which is (bad) for lunch, candy or soda?
a. worst
b. badder
c. worse
d. baddest
6. French fries are (bad) for you than a baked potato.
a. badder
b. worst
c. baddest
d. worse
Let It Shine •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
157
Grammar
Review: Using
Adjectives
Name
Comparing with Good
• The comparative form of good is better.
• The superlative form of good is best.
Comparing with Bad
• The comparative form of bad is worse.
• The superlative form of bad is worst
Rewrite each sentence, using the correct
comparative or superlative form of the adjectives
good and bad.
1. Juan is the (good) organizer at JFK Middle School.
2. He hopes for the (good) but plans for the (bad).
4. Nothing is (bad) than a greasy lunch.
158 Let It Shine •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
3. Because of Juan, we now have much (good) food to eat each day.
Grammar
Unit Review:
Adjectives
Name
Read the passages below and look at each underlined section. Is there a
mistake? If there is, how do you correct it? Circle the letter of your answer.
Josie and Juan made up a questionnaire for the students at school. The first
question was, “Which is gooder for dessert, apple sauce or chocolate candy?”
(1)
The second question was, “Which is nourishinger, grilled chicken or a cheeseburger?”
(2)
The third question was, “Would you rather eat lunch at 1130 A.M. or noon?”
(3)
1. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change gooder to better.
Add a comma after sauce.
Change Which to What.
No mistake
2. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change is to are.
Change nourishinger to more nourishing.
Change the question mark to a period.
No mistake
3. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change Would to Will.
Change rather to want.
Change 1130 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
No mistake
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Since Juan spoke the language fluently, he was asked to tutor students in
(4)
spanish class. Today, he reviewed thirty-one pages of grammar with Josie.
(5)
4. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change was to were.
Change language to Language.
Change spanish class to Spanish class.
No mistake
5. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change reviewed to reviewing.
Change thirty-one to thirty one.
Change with Josie to to Josie.
No mistake
At Home: Ask the student to write one sentence using a
proper adjective.
Unit Review •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
159
Grammar
Unit Review:
Adjectives
Name
Read the passages below and look at each underlined section. Is
there a mistake? If there is, how do you correct it? Circle the letter of
your answer.
Josie said, “Our success with school lunches is the amazingest thing I’ve ever
(6)
been a part of!” Lunchtime is so much more pleasanter than it was before. Our
(7)
school food is the most fresh of any school around!”
(8)
6. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change amazingest to most amazing.
Add a comma after success.
Change lunches to lunching.
No mistake
7. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change so to as.
Change much more pleasanter to much more pleasant.
Change the than to that.
No mistake
8. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change Our to Ours.
Change any to that.
Change most fresh to freshest.
No mistake
Josie likes to eat fruit she especially likes apples. These are the fruits available
(9)
today at school: apples, pears, bananas, grapes.
(10)
10. A.
B.
C.
D.
Add a comma after fruit.
Change fruit to Fruit.
Add a semicolon after fruit.
No mistake
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
9. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change are to was.
Change These to This.
Change the colon to a semicolon.
No mistake
160 Unit Review •
Grade 6/ Unit 5
At Home: Ask the student to write three sentences using
three different kinds of adjectives.
Grammar
Name
Adverbs
• An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or
another adverb.
• An adverb can tell how, when, or where an action takes place.
Put brackets [ ] around each adverb in the sentences below.
1. Tameesha hurriedly hopped on her bike.
2. She quickly pedaled to the fabric store.
3. She wanted to find the perfect fabric soon.
4. Tameesha eagerly looked through the bolts of material.
5. She was usually lucky at this store.
6. Today, she hoped to find some beautiful blue material.
7. Tameesha quickly grabbed the pale blue silk.
8. It was easily the most beautiful color!
9. Tameesha seldom found fabric so perfect.
10. She hugged the fabric happily.
11. The alarm clock went off at 7:00 A.M., and Tameesha instantly jumped
out of bed.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
12. The dog ran wildly after a squirrel that he saw in the park.
At Home: Have the student write three sentences about
finding something perfect.
Leonardo’s Horse •
Grade 6/Unit 6
161
Grammar
Name
Using Adverbs
• An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or
another adverb.
• An adverb can tell how, when, or where an action takes place.
• Adverbs that modify adjectives and adverbs answer the
questions how? and to what extent?
• When an adverb emphasizes or intensifies the meaning, it is
called an intensifier. Some examples are very, extremely, just,
quite, rather, so, too, and somewhat.
Read each sentence. Then put brackets [ ] around each adverb that
describes an adjective or another adverb. Next, in the blank, write
the adjective or adverb being modified. Write I after any sentence
that contains an intensifier.
1. Tameesha could sew quite well.
2. Her dresses were designed very classically.
3. “I feel completely happy when I am designing,” Tameesha has said.
4. Her newest design was exceptionally fine.
5. Tameesha’s designs are not overly dramatic.
6. But the dresses, shirts, and pants are always surprising.
7. Tameesha does not use very costly materials.
8. “Her designs are surprisingly simple,” said Mr. Lewis.
10. “I prefer to say that my clothing designs are simply classic,” she
answered.
162 Leonardo’s Horse •
Grade 6/Unit 6
At Home: Have the student write a sentence using three of
the adverbs above to modify an adjective or another adverb.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
9. Tameesha was suddenly silent when she heard that statement.
Grammar
Mechanics: Using
Good and Well
Name
• Good is an adjective and is used to describe nouns.
• Well is an adverb that tells how about a verb.
• When well means “healthy,” it is used as an adjective.
Read each sentence. Then fill in the blank using good or well correctly.
1. Tameesha’s grandmother bought her a
machine.
used sewing
2. She learned the basics of sewing
making aprons and napkins.
3. You can
seven years old!
and soon was
imagine Tameesha’s talent, as she was only
4. Her grandmother has taught her
.
5. Tameesha’s sister did not learn the basics of sewing
6. She did not think it was a
and napkins.
idea to start making aprons
7. But Tameesha wanted to do everything
8. She found a
9. “Are you feeling
.
.
place to store her fabrics and thread.
?” Tameesha asked her grandmother.
about yourself!” said
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. “I can see you are feeling very
Gran.
At Home: Have the student write four sentences, two using
good and two using well correctly.
Leonardo’s Horse •
Grade 6/Unit 6
163
Grammar
Proofreading:
Adverbs
Name
• An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or
another adverb.
• An adverb can tell how, when, or where an action takes place.
• Adverbs that modify adjectives and adverbs answer the
questions how? and to what extent?
Mechanics
• Good is an adjective and is used to describe nouns.
• Well is an adverb that tells how about a verb.
• When well means “healthy,” it is used as an adjective.
Correct any errors in the use of adverbs, and in the use of good
and well in the directions below. Then rewrite the directions,
correcting any errors in the use of adverbs, capitalization, or
punctuation. Some sentences may be correct as is.
Tameesha quickly wrote these directions for making a simple A-line dress.
1. First, careful choose a pattern for your appropriate body type.
Purchase from a well company.
2. Then buy the fabric. Don’t buy very costly fabric for your first project.
3. Always read the pattern directions slow.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. Careful cut out the pattern pieces.
164 Leonardo’s Horse •
Grade 6/Unit 6
At Home: Invite the student to write a set of directions that tell how
to make something, using at least three adverbs correctly.
Grammar
Name
Test: Adverbs
Put brackets [ ] around the adverb in each of the following
sentences. Write how if the adverbs tell how, when if the adverbs
tells when, or where if the adverb tell where the action takes place.
1. Tameesha thought her prom gown draped beautifully.
2. She wanted to wear it immediately.
3. Her grandmother said, “You cannot wear it now!”
4. So Tameesha put the gown away.
5. She carefully hung it on a padded hanger in her closet.
Put brackets around the adverb in each of the following sentences.
On the line provided, write the word the adverb modifies.
6. Tameesha’s confidence in her designs grew steadily.
7. She quite readily purchased difficult patterns.
8. Tameesha finally realized she did not need to buy patterns.
9. She often sketched her own designs.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. Tameesha finally thought of herself as a classic designer.
Leonardo’s Horse •
Grade 6/Unit 6
165
Grammar
Review: Working
with Adverbs
Name
• An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or
another adverb.
• An adverb can tell how, when, or where an action takes place.
• Adverbs that modify adjectives and adverbs answer the
questions how? and to what extent?
1. Tameesha easily draped the silk over the mannequin.
2. She sometimes asked her grandmother for help.
3. But Tameesha usually figured things out for herself.
4. She picked up her needle and began to sew.
5. Tameesha knew she seldom made a mistake.
166 Leonardo’s Horse •
Grade 6/Unit 6
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Put brackets [ ] around the adverbs
in the following sentences. Write
how if the adverb tells how, when
if the adverb tells when, or where
if the adverb tells where the action
takes place.
Grammar
Name
Adverbs That Compare
• The comparative form of an adverb compares two actions.
• The superlative form of an adverb compares more than two
actions.
• For all one-syllable and some two-syllable adverbs, add -er and
-est to form the comparative or superlative.
Write the comparative and superlative form of each of the following
adverbs.
Comparative
Superlative
1. fast
2. high
3. loud
4. long
5. near
Write each sentence using the comparative or superlative form of
the following adverbs in parentheses.
6. Andre read the book about time travel (fast) than Thomas did.
7. Andre went to bed (soon) than Thomas.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. Thomas said, “I want to jump (high) of all.”
9. Andre is the (fast) runner on the team.
10. Thomas wants to jump (high) than Andre.
At Home: Have the student write three sentences comparing
Andre and Thomas and other members of the track team.
LAFFF •
Grade 6/Unit 6
167
Grammar
Name
Using More and Most
• For adverbs that end in -ly and most other adverbs with two or
more syllables, use more to form the comparative and most to
form the superlative.
• When you use more or most, do not use the ending -er or -est.
Write the comparative or superlative forms of each of the following
adverbs.
Comparative
Superlative
1. suddenly
2. frequently
3. widely
4. naturally
5. weakly
Each sentence below contains an incorrectly formed adverb in
parentheses. Put brackets [ ] around the correct adverb.
6. Andre traveled (most comfortably, more comfortably) in the time machine
than Thomas.
7. Andre slept (more soundly, most soundly) of all the boys.
8. Thomas said, “My flashlight shines (most radiantly, radiantlier) of all.
9. Andre sings (more naturally, most naturally) than Thomas.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
10. Thomas sang (most forcefully, more forcefully) of all.
168 LAFFF •
Grade 6/Unit 6
At Home: Ask the student to identify the comparative and
superlative forms of the adverbs in the sentences above.
Grammar
Mechanics: Using
Adverb Forms
Name
• Some adverbs have irregular forms.
• The comparative and superlative forms of well are better and
best.
• The comparative and superlative forms of badly are worse and
worst.
• Never use more or most with irregular forms.
Rewrite each sentence below by writing the correct comparative
form of the adverb shown in parentheses.
1. The Time Travel Club meeting in January was (well) attended than the one
in December.
2. Andre’s presentation at the Time Travel Club meeting was (well) than
Hannah’s.
3. The hurricane in August affected attendance (badly) than last year’s storm.
Rewrite each sentence below by writing the correct superlative
form of the adverb shown in parentheses.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. The MLK Middle School Time Travel Club is the (well) known of all the
clubs in the county.
5. Everyone agrees that Andre can be the (badly) behaved member of the club.
At Home: Have the student write four more sentences using
the comparative and superlative forms of well and badly.
LAFFF •
Grade 6/Unit 6
169
Grammar
Proofreading: Adverbs
That Compare
Name
• The comparative form of an adverb compares two actions.
• The superlative form of an adverb compares more than two
actions.
Correct any errors in the use of comparative and superlative
adverbs, and in the use of well and badly in the directions below.
Then rewrite the explanatory essay, correcting any errors in the
use of adverbs, capitalization, or punctuation.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
You do not need to reason most brilliantly than Albert Einstein in order
to well understand the dimension of time. Many people most incorrect
believe that time is a constant, and that we are moving eagerlier through
time at a fixed rate. But you can perform a well-known experiment to show
that time is not constant. Try sitting through a boring movie. Does time
move quicklyer? Then think about a ride on a rollercoaster. Does time move
fastest then? There is no easy explanation for why time moves more quickly
sometimes and more slowly at other times. It’s just a fact of life.
170 LAFFF •
Grade 6/Unit 6
At Home: Have the student write an explanatory essay on a topic of
his or her choice. Remind him or her to use adverbs correctly when
writing.
Grammar
Name
Test: Adverbs
Read each of the following sentences. Is there a mistake with the
comparative adverb? Circle the letter of your response.
1. Thomas jumped highly than he
ever had before.
3. The sun shines more brightly at
noon than at dusk.
a. Change highly to higher.
a. Change more to most.
b. Change highly to highlier.
b. Change brightly to brighter.
c. Change highly to more
higher.
c. Change more brightly to
brightlier.
d. Make no change.
d. Make no change.
2. Andre felt gooder after he made
his presentation.
a. Change gooder to bester.
b. Change gooder to more good.
c. Change gooder to better.
d. Make no change.
Read each of the following sentences. Is there a mistake with the
superlative adverb? Circle the letter of your response.
4. Thomas sauntered casuallyier to the podium and waited.
a. Change casuallyier to most casually.
b. Change casuallyier to casualiest.
c. Change casuallyier to more casuallyier.
d. Make no change.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
5. Andre has the worst behavior of all the students in class.
a. Change worst to worse.
b. Change worst to badliest.
c. Change worst to better.
d. Make no change.
LAFFF •
Grade 6/Unit 6
171
Grammar
Review: Adverbs and
Their Irregular Forms
Name
• The comparative form of an adverb compares two actions.
• The superlative form of an adverb compares more than two
actions.
• For all one-syllable and some two-syllable adverbs, add -er and
-est to form the comparative or superlative.
• For adverbs that end in -ly and most other adverbs with two or
more syllables, use more to form the comparative and most to
form the superlative.
• When you use more or most, do not use the ending -er or -est.
• Some adverbs have irregular forms. The comparative and
superlative forms of well are better and best. The comparative
and superlative forms of badly are worse and worst.
• Never use more or most with irregular forms.
Read each sentence aloud. Choose the correct
comparative or superlative adverb in parentheses.
Write the sentence on the line provided.
1. Andre thinks (clearliest, more clearly)
after a healthy breakfast.
3. He thinks (highlier, more highly) of your speech than mine.
4. Andre’s bicycle runs (most smoothly, smoothliest) right after its tune-up.
172 LAFFF •
Grade 6/Unit 6
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
2. Andre made his presentation
(most perfectly, perfectest).
Grammar
Name
Negatives
• A negative is a word that means “no,” such as not, never,
nobody, nowhere, and contractions with n’t.
• A double negative is an error in which two negatives are used
together.
• You can correct a double negative by removing one negative.
Put brackets [ ] around each negative in the sentences below.
1. Lupe did not think Spanish would be difficult to master.
2. Lupe’s grandparents no longer spoke it around the house.
3. In fact, nobody in Lupe’s family spoke Spanish anymore.
4. Lupe never thought she would miss hearing it.
5. “Why can’t I sign up for Spanish?” Lupe asked her teacher.
Each sentence below contains a double negative. Put brackets [ ]
around the negative words and correctly rewrite the sentence by
removing one negative.
6. “No student cannot sign up for a language after September fifth,” said Ms.
Garcia.
7. The language teachers could not allow no more students into the classes.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. Lupe didn’t not know what to do.
9. She could not ask no teacher to help her.
10. She might not never learn to speak Spanish.
At Home: Have the student create five sentences containing
double negatives, and then correct them.
These Walls Can Talk
Grade 6/ Unit 6
173
Grammar
More Double
Negatives
Name
• You can correct a double negative by replacing one negative
with a positive word.
Read each sentence. If the sentence contains a double negative, rewrite
it correctly. If the sentence is correct, write C on the line provided.
1. Lupe decided to ask her grandfather for help, not her grandmother.
2. Lupe’s grandfather, Oswaldo, wasn’t no easy teacher.
3. But Lupe knew she wouldn’t never find a better person to teach her
Spanish.
4. Most grandparents didn’t never get the opportunity to teach their
grandchildren.
6. Oswaldo wasn’t sorry he studied Spanish.
174
These Walls Can Talk
Grade 6/ Unit 6
At Home: Have the student identify the positive words in his
or her corrected sentences.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
5. Oswaldo was not going to miss it!
Grammar
Mechanics: Correcting
Double Negatives
Name
• A negative is a word that means “no,” such as not, never,
nobody, nowhere, and contractions with n’t.
• A double negative is an error in which two negatives are used
together.
• You can correct a double negative by removing one negative.
• You can correct a double negative by replacing one negative
with a positive word.
Rewrite each sentence below on the line provided so that it does
not contain a double negative.
1. Oswaldo would never let no one read his Spanish novels.
2. No person in the house couldn’t touch his books.
3. Oswaldo knew nobody had no ability to read his Spanish books.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. Lupe had never encountered no person like her grandfather.
5. Without Oswaldo, Lupe wouldn’t never have learned Spanish.
At Home: Have the student write five sentences with one
negative word in each.
These Walls Can Talk
Grade 6/ Unit 6
175
Grammar
Name
Proofreading:
Negatives
• A negative is a word that means “no,” such as not, never,
nobody, nowhere, and contractions with n’t.
• A double negative is an error in which two negatives are used
together.
• You can correct a double negative by removing one negative.
• You can correct a double negative by replacing one negative
with a positive word.
Proofread the persuasive editorial below for errors in the use of
negatives, punctuation, or capitalization. Then rewrite the editorial.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
As president of the school council, I have been asked to comment on the
efforts by a group of students to take down the class photos in the corridor
outside principal hernandez’s Office. These photos show graduates of
cleveland middle school for the last twenty five years. The students who
don’t believe these class photos should not be replaced with decorative
posters don’t not understand that our past is a part of us. I strongly urge
students to keep in touch with the present and future by not preserving our
reminders of the past.
176
These Walls Can Talk
Grade 6/ Unit 6
At Home: Invite the student to write a persuasive essay on a
topic of his or her choice.
Grammar
Name
Test: Negatives
Each sentence below contains a double negative. Rewrite the sentence
correctly on the line provided.
1. The students didn’t have no respect for the past.
2. Not no person in the school realized the importance of the class photos.
3. No one nowhere in this school was willing to speak up.
4. It didn’t take no time for our student council president to act.
5. She wouldn’t not miss the opportunity to write about it.
6. There wasn’t no reason to stay silent.
7. No student did not want to miss her editorial.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. The students looked for a mistake but couldn’t find none.
9. They didn’t have nothing to complain about.
10. They hadn’t never voted on such an issue before.
These Walls Can Talk
Grade 6/ Unit 6
177
Grammar
Name
Review: Adverbs
and Negatives
• A negative is a word that means “no,” such as not, never,
nobody, nowhere, and contractions with n’t.
• A double negative is an error in which two negatives are used
together.
• You can correct a double negative by removing one negative.
• You can correct a double negative by replacing one negative
with a positive word.
Rewrite each sentence on the line provided,
correcting the double negatives.
1. Lupe was not no complainer.
2. Lupe didn’t not become president to stay quiet.
4. Lupe said there wasn’t no reason not to fight for what we want.
178
These Walls Can Talk
Grade 6/ Unit 6
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
3. She wasn’t no activist, but Lupe was eager to make the school better.
Grammar
Name
Prepositions
• A preposition comes before a noun or pronoun and relates
that noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence.
• Common prepositions are about, above, across, after, around,
at, before, behind, below, between, beyond, down, for, from,
in, near, of, on, over, to, with.
Put brackets [ ] around the prepositions in each sentence. Some
sentences have more than one preposition.
1. Ashley liked to help her dad in his newspaper business.
2. On Sunday mornings, Ashley and Mr. Peters got up early.
3. They drove to the offices of The Asheville Journal.
4. There, Mr. Peters got the Sunday editions of the paper.
5. Ashley put each newspaper into a plastic bag to keep it from getting wet.
6. Then, after putting the papers in the back of the truck, they left.
7. Ashley sat in the backseat between piles of papers.
8. She enjoyed this time with her father on his route.
9. Mr. Peters threw the newspaper across the lawn.
10. The paper landed near the front door.
11. As she looked beyond the horizon, she could see that a severe
thunderstorm was coming her way.
12. On the long bus ride home, Jennifer sat behind a cranky baby.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
13. A baby bird gets its food from its mother until it can leave the nest and fly
on its own.
14. A flock of geese flew over the school today.
At Home: Have the student write three sentences using six
different prepositions.
Breaking into Print •
Grade 6/Unit 6
179
Grammar
Working with
Phrases and Objects
Name
• A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a
preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun.
• The object of a preposition is the noun or pronoun that
follows the preposition.
• The verb must agree with the subject, not with the object of the
preposition.
Read each sentence below. Underline each prepositional phrase, and
put brackets [ ] around the object of the preposition. One sentence has
two prepositional phrases.
1. Ashley found herself becoming interested in the newspaper business.
2. She asked her teacher to recommend books about journalism.
3. Ashley’s teacher gave her a list with several titles.
4. Ashley selected one of the books from the school library.
5. She put the book into her backpack.
Each sentence below contains an incorrectly formed adverb in
parentheses. Put brackets [ ] around the correct adverb.
6. The book in the backpack (belongs, belong) to Ashley.
7. The book in the backseat of the car (needs, need) to be returned.
9. Ashley’s neighbors across the street (were, was) journalists.
10. Their articles in the newspaper (was, were) fascinating.
180 Breaking into Print •
Grade 6/Unit 6
At Home: Have the student circle the prepositions in the
sentences above.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
8. The rules of the library (is, are) important.
Grammar
Mechanics: Using
Commas for Introductory
Words and Prepositional
Phrases
Name
• Use a comma after an introductory word, such as well.
• Use commas to set off words that interrupt the flow of thought.
• Use commas to set off nouns of direct address and most
appositives.
• Use a comma after a long introductory prepositional phrase.
On the lines provided, rewrite the sentences by inserting commas in the
appropriate places.
1. “Well I think it would be fascinating to be a journalist,” said Ashley.
2. “Dad look at this article in the paper about journalism camp,” said Ashley.
3. After two weeks of journalism camp Ashley felt she had learned a lot.
4. The Truman Institute which is located in Asheville offered writing classes, too.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
5. “Sir may I introduce my father Mr. Peters?” said Ashley.
6. “So what do you want to study Ashley?” asked Mrs. Rivers.
At Home: Have the student write a sentence for each of the
guidelines in the box above.
Breaking into Print •
Grade 6/Unit 6
181
Grammar
Proofreading:
Prepositions and
Prepositional Phrases
Name
• A preposition comes before a noun or pronoun and relates
that noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence.
• Common prepositions are about, above, across, after, around,
at, before, behind, below, between, down, for, from, in, near,
of, on, over, to, with.
• A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a
preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun.
• The object of a preposition is the noun or pronoun that
follows the preposition.
• The verb must agree with the subject, not with the object of the
preposition.
Read the following explanation of a process. Correct any mistakes
in the use of prepositions, prepositional phrases, capitalization, or
punctuation. Then rewrite the explanation.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
The process of writing and publishing a book have changed dramatically
in the past fifteen years. Before the advent of computers, writers needed
publishing companies to print bind and distribute their books. Now it can all
be done electronically. First, write your story. Then read through your rough
draft which is also called a first pass. When you are sure your story is as
good as it can be create your own website and become your own publisher!
182 Breaking into Print •
Grade 6/Unit 6
At Home: Invite the student to write a short explanation of a
process, using at least three prepositions.
Grammar
Name
Test: Prepositions
Identify the object of the preposition in each of the following
sentences. Circle the letter of your choice.
1. Ashley and her father arrived
home from work.
3. Ashley put her journalism books in
the new bookcase.
a. and
a. bookcase
b. father
b. put
c. from
c. new
d. work
d. in
2. Ashley’s bedroom was
across the hall.
a. bedroom
b. was
c. hall
d. across
Read each of the following sentences. Is there a mistake? Circle
the letter of your response.
4. Around five o’clock Ashley’s father called her for dinner.
a. Add a comma after o’clock.
b. Change Ashley’s to Ashleys’
c. Change calls to call
d. Correct
5. Ashley, of course, washed her hands and went right into the kitchen.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
a. Change washed to washing.
b. Take away the comma after Ashley.
c. Add a comma after right.
d. Correct
Breaking into Print •
Grade 6/Unit 6
183
Grammar
Review: Prepositions
and Prepositional
Phrases
Name
• A preposition comes before a noun or pronoun and relates
that noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence.
• Common prepositions are about, above, across, after, around,
at, before, behind, below, between, down, for, from, in, near,
of, on, over, to, with.
• A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a
preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun.
• The object of a preposition is the noun or pronoun that
follows the preposition.
• The verb must agree with the subject, not with the object of the
preposition.
Read each sentence aloud. Then change the verb so that it agrees with
the subject of the sentence. Rewrite each sentence on the line provided.
Then add commas after prepositional phrases if they are necessary.
1. At journalism camp the class write articles for the camp newspaper.
2. Between journalism classes and helping her father Ashley have little free
time.
4. Around the corner from where Ashley attends camp her father work in a
newspaper office.
184 Breaking into Print •
Grade 6/Unit 6
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
3. A number of students attends Ashley’s journalism classes.
Grammar
Name
Sentence Combining
• Two sentences can be combined by adding an adjective or
adverb to one sentence.
Read each pair of sentences. Combine the two sentences into one
sentence by adding an adjective or adverb. Write the new sentence
on the line provided.
1. Mount Etna is a volcano. It is active.
2. Mount Etna is located in Sicily. Sicily is a beautiful island.
3. Mount Etna has violent eruptions. The eruptions are frequent.
4. Catania is a city in Sicily. It is crowded and bustling.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
5. Regina would like to see Mount Etna. She would like to see it someday.
At Home: Have the student circle the adjectives and
adverbs in the sentences above.
The Dog of Pompeii •
Grade 6/Unit 6
185
Grammar
Name
Combining Sentences
• Two sentences can be combined by adding a prepositional
phrase from one sentence to the other.
Read each pair of sentences. Combine the two sentences into one
sentence by adding a prepositional phrase. Write the new sentence
on the line provided.
1. Regina is a scientist. She works at the University of Rome.
2. Regina works in a special department. The department was specifically
formed for studying volcanic activity.
3. Italy’s most famous volcano is Vesuvius. It is now dormant.
4. Mount Etna is still erupting. It spews red-hot lava on the eastern coast of
Sicily.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
5. The land around Mount Etna is very fertile. It is fertile because of the rich
soil.
186 The Dog of Pompeii •
Grade 6/Unit 6
At Home: Ask the student to write two related sentences,
then combine them using a prepositional phrase.
Grammar
Mechanics: Review of
Punctuation Marks
Name
• Capitalize the first word of every sentence and end with the
correct punctuation mark.
• Use a comma before the conjunction in a compound sentence.
If there is no conjunction, use a semicolon.
• Use a comma after a dependent clause at the beginning of a
sentence.
Rewrite each sentence using proper capitalization, commas, and
end punctuation.
1. a layer of white cloud hovered above the summit of Mount Etna it was an
amazing sight
2. at almost thirty miles in diameter the great sloping cone of Etna is immense
3. etna erupts regularly its most recent eruptions have been in 1978, 1979,
1986, and 1992
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. sicily has about the same land mass as the state of Maryland Etna covers a
large part of its eastern side
5. citrus farmers grow lemons and oranges on the lands around Mount Etna
thanks to centuries of eruptions the soil is rich and fertile
At Home: Ask the student to pick out the compound and
complex sentences in a passage.
The Dog of Pompeii •
Grade 6/Unit 6
187
Grammar
Proofreading:
Combining Sentences
Name
• Two sentences can be combined by adding an adjective or
adverb from one sentence to the other.
• Two sentences can be combined by adding a prepositional
phrase from one sentence to the other.
Combine any sentences you can in the explanation below. Then
rewrite the explanation, correcting any mistakes in punctuation,
capitalization, or comma usage.
How to Make a Volcano at Home
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
In order to make a volcano at home you need baking soda. You need
vinegar. You need a container to put your volcano in. Put some baking soda
in the container pour in some vinegar. Watch what happens this “eruption”
is called an acid base reaction. Your “volcano” really erupts! The eruption is
caused by carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is given off as the acid in the
vinegar neutralizes the sodium bicarbonate in the baking soda.
188 The Dog of Pompeii •
Grade 6/Unit 6
At Home: Invite the student to write a short explanation of
how to do something simple.
Grammar
Test: Sentence
Combining
Name
Read each pair of sentences. Combine the two sentences into one
sentence using adjectives, adverbs, or prepositional phrases. Then
write the new sentence on the line provided.
1. Regina will be traveling soon. She will be traveling to the island of Sicily.
2. She will travel from Rome to Catania. She will travel by car.
3. Regina lives in Rome. She lives near the Coliseum.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
4. Regina enjoys her life as a university professor. She enjoys it very much.
5. Volcanoes are Regina’s interest. Volcanoes are her main interest.
The Dog of Pompeii •
Grade 6/Unit 6
189
Grammar
Review: Sentence
Combination
Name
• Two sentences can be combined by adding an adjective or
adverb from one sentence to the other.
• Two sentences can be combined by adding a prepositional
phrase from one sentence to the other.
Combine and revise each set of
sentences about the picture into one
sentence. Add commas if they are
necessary. Write the sentence on the
line provided.
1. Mount Etna is a volcano on the island
of Sicily in Italy. It is active.
2. Regina has traveled to Sicily to study the volcano. She traveled from Rome.
4. Regina’s car moved swiftly toward the volcano. It moved along the
highways of Italy.
190 The Dog of Pompeii •
Grade 6/Unit 6
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
3. People are hurt when volcanoes erupt. They are hurt by flowing lava. They
are hurt by tidal waves.
Grammar
Name
Unit Review: Adverbs
Read the passage and look at each underlined adverb. What word
does the adverb modify? Circle the letter of your answer.
Regina’s trip to Sicily was immediately successful. She gathered her data
(1)
rapidly. Soon she would take her photos and pages of notes back to Rome.
(2) (3)
1. A.
B.
C.
D.
successful
Sicily
trip
was
2. A.
B.
C.
D.
She
gathered
data
her
3. A.
B.
C.
D.
she
photos
take
Rome
Read the passage and look at the underlined sentences. Is there a mistake?
If there is, how do you correct it? Circle the letter of your answer.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Nothing can’t stop Regina from completing her research on Mount Etna.
(4)
For more than six months, she has been studying the great mountain of fire the locals
(5)
call “La Montagna.”
4. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change completing to complete.
Change on to over.
Change can’t to can.
No mistake.
5. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change than to that.
Add a semicolon after months.
Change studying to studied.
No mistake.
At Home: Ask the student to write one sentence using an
adverb.
Unit Review •
Grade 6/ Unit 6
191
Grammar
Name
Unit Review: Adverbs
Read the passage below and look at each underlined section. Is
there a mistake? If there is, how do you correct it? Circle the letter
of your answer.
The volcano looks more dangerously than Regina had expected. But Regina is not no
(6)
amateur researcher. She quickly laces up her hiking boots and begins to climb.
(7)
(8)
6. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change volcano to volcano’s.
Change looks to looking.
Change dangerously to dangerous.
No mistake.
7. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change is to are.
Remove not.
Change researcher to research.
No mistake.
8. A.
B.
C.
D.
Change quickly to quicker.
Change laces to lacing.
Change hiking to hike.
No mistake.
Look at the sentence pairs. How could each pair best be combined?
Write your sentences on the lines provided.
10. It is a large construction project. It is the largest construction project since
work began on the expressway.
192 Unit Review •
Grade 6/ Unit 6
At Home: Ask the student to write three sentences using
adverbs, prepositions, and negatives.
© Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
9. The most fertile lands around Etna often yield five harvests a year. These
lands are located up to about 3,000 feet.